The European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation has informed the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) and the European Science Foundation (ESF) of its decision to allocate an additional €30 M to COST.
COST implements networking activities for researchers, contributing to the European Research Area (ERA) goals and participating in the delivery of the Europe 2020 agenda. The additional funding raises the total budget for COST to €240 M for the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and an additional €10 M may be released depending on developments in the EU budget.
“This is a clear vote of confidence in COST’s governance and our intergovernmental framework’s ability to contribute to building a globally competitive ERA. COST’s potential to be an important driver in delivering excellence and leading innovation has been recognised and fuelled for future growth,” stated Dr. Ángeles Rodríguez-Peña, President of the COST Committee of Senior Officials.
“ESF, as implementing agent for COST, recognises this additional budget allocation as an acknowledgment of a successful partnership between ESF and COST,” said Marja Makarow, Chief Executive of the European Science Foundation. “It also reflects the valuable contribution COST can make tomorrow, by enhancing capacity building in Europe. ESF will continue to support COST in achieving its goals and increasing the competitiveness of the ERA.”