COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a bottom-up funding organisation for the creation of research and innovation networks, called COST Actions. These networks seek to foster collaboration across Europe and beyond. In this way, COST Actions are helpful for developing your personal research network and developing your understanding of funding calls under the EU’s research and innovation framework programme.

This session is open to all researchers, with a particular emphasis on early career researchers who are keen to discover the funding opportunities for collaborative research networks, including training, workshops and webinars under the COST academy, but especially to provide an open space to bring together different research communities, public institutions and the scientific and technological sectors in the West Midlands.

The session sets out to provide attendees with an overview of COST and the benefits of participation. The event will also outline the different ways to get involved in a COST Action and will cover UK participation in COST.

The event is organised by the Birmingham strategic alliance members of Aston University, Birmingham City University, Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham City Council, in partnership with the University of Coventry and the University of Birmingham to promote regional collaboration and the pursuit of common interests across the region.

The UK is a full COST member and continues to enjoy all of the benefits of membership, including being fully reimbursed for engagement in COST actions.

Draft Agenda

9.30am Arrival and registration.

Participants will have the opportunity to establish a first contact. We encourage people to arrive on time to take this opportunity to engage in potential networks and collaborations.

Coffee and networking.

10.00am Welcome and keynote speech

Representatives from the (West) Midlands and central government will open the event.

Speaker: Simon Green, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Aston University

10.10am Birmingham Strategic Alliance presentation

Speaker: Philip Piatkiewicz, Secretary General at West Midlands Europe Hub

10.15am UK’s participation in COST programme

Speaker: Representative from BEIS

10.25am Introduction by COST association

Speaker: Ronald de Bruin, Director at COST Association

10.30am Presentation of the COST Programme

During this informative session the following aspects will be covered:

• Overview of COST mission, strategic priorities and main activities
• How to participate in a COST Action
• Which activities are funded?
• How to submit a COST Action proposal
• Q&A with Judith Litjens, Policy Officer at COST Association

11.15am Pause

11.30am Panel debate

The debate will explore key aspects of COST Actions in the current context:

• Their importance in order to keep cooperation alive.
• Their strategical interest and benefits for actors involved in research and innovation in the region and in the UK for the present and future.
• The value and opportunities that the programme brings.
• Lessons and testimonials from successful experiences by COST members.
• Q&A with Corinne M. Spickett, Professor at Aston University and Judith Litjens, COST Policy Officer

*Other panellists to be confirmed

Moderator: Ian Gittens, Research Development Manager at BCU

12.30pm Closing words

Speakers: Paul Knobbs, EU and International Research Development Manager at Aston University and Simon Green, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Aston University

12.40pm Lunch

A moment to take up the conversations and share inspiring ideas. This will be one of the first chances to get together and network after a long time.