You are*	↓ ↓
E-mail*	↓ ↓

ABG contributes to COST Cross Cutting Activity Career development for young researchers

The ABG was invited as a core member to a working group in the COST Cross-Cutting Activity on Career Development for Young Researchers. The launch event for this two-year program was held on December 3rd in Brussels. Read further to learn more about COST and this specific program.

Links

COST stands for European Cooperation in Science and Technology. It is a funding organization created in 1971 by 19 countries to establish research networks called COST Actions. These networks offer a space for collaboration across Europe (and beyond), driving advancements and innovation by connecting individuals from diverse scientific fields and sectors. Currently, COST comprises 41 member countries, along with 1 Cooperating Member and 1 Partner Member. COST Actions fund projects across all scientific domains, bringing together researchers and innovators at every career stage to explore chosen topics for four years.

A key requirement for obtaining the COST funding is the involvement of experts from at least seven COST member countries, with at least half originating from inclusiveness target countries (where research activity is less intensive). Funding supports the organization of conferences, workshops, training schools, short-term scientific missions, and communication/dissemination efforts. A unique feature of this funding is the possibility for new members to join the network at any point during its duration.

Among the activities that can be covered by this funding are:

organisation of conferences,
workshops,
training schools
short term scientific missions
communication and dissemination activities.

Since its creation, COST has consistently worked to improve and develop new opportunities for the European research community. In 2019, the Innovators Grant was introduced, offering 12-month support and access to the same networking activities as COST Actions. This grant has now become an integral part of COST under Horizon Europe. Furthermore, COST Academy provides valuable training, workshops, and webinars on topics highly relevant for the effective operation of research networks within COST Actions. Recognizing the vital role of young researchers in the Research and Innovation, COST has created a Young Researchers module in COST Academy as well as Young Researcher Conference Grants (to read more see). In response to global trends, COST acknowledges the importance of attracting and retaining top young minds in Europe. Thus, a new 2-year Cross-Cutting Activity (CCA) was launched in December 2024 to look for improvement of career development conditions for young researchers.

The COST headquarters during the launch event.

The team present during the the launch meeting and the working group of career adisors (photos source COST)

Judith Litjens, a Policy Adviser at COST Association, reach out to and created a network consisting of young researchers, career advisory experts from 18 countries, and key stakeholder organizations. The network's goal is to identify and develop recommendations for policymakers, along with guidelines and good practices for countries where career development activities for researchers are still in their early stages. This COST CCA is co-chaired by two young researchers: Nicola Dengo and Joanna Rutkowska, representatives of eurodoc (European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers). They help coordinate the common efforts of four working groups established to achieve the network's objectives:

Young Researchers,
Career Advisory and Support Services;
Building a Young Researchers' Community in COST Actions;
Gender Equality and Fostering Inclusiveness.

ABG was honored to be invited to this important initiative, which aims to enhance career development opportunities for researchers across Europe by focusing on these key areas. With over 40 years of experience as a career advisor in France and our international activities, along with our multinational team of PhDs with diverse backgrounds and career stages, ABG provides a unique perspective on this complex subject. We will use all our efforts to help bring this perspective and make a difference for further generations of researchers in Europe and keep our readers informed on the COST CCA advances.