A new round of applications for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) is now open until the 15th of September, 2018. Details on STSMs and how to apply appear below.

Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are a networking tool with the purpose to provide additional chances of individual mobility, and to potentiate already established networks and exchanges by letting scientists within CANTATA to visit an institution in either in another participating COST Country or an approved NNC institution or an approved IPC institution.

Applicants should normally be employed at, or be a a student at, an institution of a COST participating country having accepted the MoU of CANTATA. Moreover, it is expected that this country has a record of active participation in CANTATA. In the following we outline some useful information for candidates who wish to apply for STSM funding.

An STSM should absolutely contribute to progress toward the objectives of CANTATA.

All candidates must apply via e-cost. You will need to provide the following documents:

• A letter of invitation from a senior researcher affiliated to the Host institution.
• STSM application form.
• A motivation letter including a work plan detailing the proposed activities.
• A support letter / email from the Home Institution.
• A full C.V. (including a list of academic publications – if applicable).

Candidates should have a quick look at the rules for submitting travel expenses as they contain some specifics. Applicants are encouraged to get familiar with the travel reimbursement instructions

• Accommodation expenses are paid against a flat per-diem rate of e120 irrespective of the actual cost, this flat rate includes breakfast. No copies of receipts are required.
• Meals are paid against flat rates only. No invoices or receipts from the meal providers are required. Flat rates can never exceed EUR 20 per eligible meal. A maximum of up to two meals per day are eligible (two meals strictly concern lunch and dinner – breakfast expenses are not eligible expenses). Meals provided by other sources must be deducted from the number of meals that can be claimed by each participant.
• Economy class air travel only, even if business class happens to be less expensive.

Any informal requests about STSM can be sent to the STSM coordinator (Christian G Boehmer, UCL, c.boehmer@ucl.ac.uk)