Overview of STSM grants awarded in 2023 and 2024
STSM general information
- STSM consists of a visit to a host organization located in a different country than the country of affiliation by a researcher/innovator for specific work to be carried out and for a determined period.
STSM consists of a visit to a host organization located in a different country than the country of affiliation by a researcher/innovator for specific work to be carried out and for a determined period.
The STSM can have a duration between 5 days and 90 days. Any action member can apply for an STSM; however Young Researchers and Innovators will be prioritized. The STSM can take place in any host institution within the COST countries, including NNC or ITC countries (see the list here) if the institution within that country is approved.
The financial support is a contribution to the overall expenses incurred during the STSM and may not necessarily cover all the associated costs. Participants are required to provide a report on the STSM to the Action after completing the mission.
The following funding conditions apply and must be respected:
- Only research proposals focusing on emerging chalcogenides for PV applications will be considered. Halide perovskite topics are not eligible for RenewPV grant funding.
- Travel expenses cannot exceed EUR 500. For accommodation and meal expenses, a maximum amount of EUR 160 per day can be considered.
- A grantee can be afforded up to EUR 4000, with the above limits in mind.
- STSM activities must occur in their entirety within the dates specified in this call, i.e., from 01.02.2025 to 30.09.2025.
- Financial support is limited to cover travel and subsistence expenses and is paid as a grant. No receipts are needed.
- As justifications for the mission accomplishment serve the STSM scientific report with the approval letter from the STSM host, as well as non-technical feedback of the visit for dissemination via LinkedIn page of the Action. The grant money is transferred to a grantee only after these three proves are received by the RenewPV Management Committee.
- In case of changes to the STSM, an application for the change must be submitted immediately.
The granted amount for each individual STSM will be determined during the evaluation process by the RenewPV core group. For this year we have planned around 25.000 EUR for STSM grants and 7.500 EUR for the conference grants.
How to apply for RenewPV STSM
Interested researchers are advised to follow the directions provided below and submit their application and supporting documents via https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants by 30.06.2025.
The application process:
- Read carefully the funding rules detailed in Annex 2 of the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
- Register for an e-COST profile at https://e-services.cost.eu/user/login.
- Prior to the online application, obtain an invitation letter from the host institution confirming that they can undertake the STSM on the given dates or conference acceptance letter for other grants.
- Submit the grant application form and the relevant supporting documents via https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants. Guidelines for online applications are available here.
The list of supporting documents to be submitted for the evaluation are:
- Application form (template available on e-COST) detailing: the goals, a description of the work or presentation to be undertaken by the applicant, the expected outcomes, and how the contribution aligns with the objectives of RenewPV MoUobjectives.
- Confirmation letter from the host confirming the institution is prepared to receive the applicant for the agreed period, i.e., the invitation letter or email.
The application will be evaluated by the RenewPV core group. The goal for 2025 is to make a granting decision on a monthly basis.
Within 14 days from the end date of the STSM, ITC, YRI, or DC, the grantee must submit a report on the e-COST platform as well as send a non-technical summary of the visit for dissemination on the RenewPV social media platforms. The summary can be written or audio-visual. The applicant is also responsible for acquiring an official letter / email from a senior researcher affiliated to the host institution formally accepting the scientific report. Failure to submit the report within 14 days from the end date of the STSM will cancel the grant. Once the report is approved by the RenewPV Management Committee, the grant can be paid.
After completing the STSM, grantees will be asked to present the outcome of their STSM at the nearest RenewPV working group meeting or workshop.
Please note that COST can request additional information to substantiate the information contained within the documents submitted by Grant applicants.
- Deadline for STSM applications: 30.06.2025
- Period of STSM implementation: 01.02.2025 – 30.09.2025
For support and help, contact the Grant Awarding Coordinator at natalia.maticiuc@helmholtz-berlin.de.
