Since 1999, the U.Porto research ecosystem has seen exponential growth in its participation in the COST Programme (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
This European programme supports transnational collaboration by establishing research networks across all scientific and technological fields. COST Actions promote scientific advancement and offer researchers access to international communities with shared research interests.
In 2024, U.Porto reached a new record high in its participation in the programme, with a total of 436 active COST Actions. This represents a growth of approximately 18.5% compared to 2023, reinforcing a steady upward trend in recent years (254 in 2021, 325 in 2022, and 368 in 2023).
These 400+ COST Actions cover a wide range of scientific areas, reflecting the transversal and collaborative nature of the programme. Health Sciences lead with 144 actions, followed by Engineering and Technology (98) and Natural Sciences (89). There is also strong representation in Social Sciences (52) and Exact Sciences (48), while Arts and Humanities are represented by 5 actions.
Currently, U.Porto’s involvement in the programme includes a total of 707 researchers actively engaged - as Action Chairs, Working Group members, and in other roles - marking a 35.7% increase compared to 2023. This continues a significant growth trajectory over the past years: 259 participants in 2021, 448 in 2022, and 521 in 2023 (a 16% rise from the previous year).
COST Actions are interdisciplinary research networks involving participants from diverse institutional backgrounds, within an intergovernmental cooperation framework comprising 41 member countries, 1 cooperating country, and 1 partner country.
Institutions from non-member countries may also participate in these networks. The funding provided covers coordination and support costs for collaborative activities.
Researchers can engage with peers across Europe by joining existing networks or submitting proposals for new COST Actions. Seventy new Actions were recently approved and are now open for participation by the U.Porto research community – more information is available here.
Open to all areas of science and technology, including emerging fields, COST Actions offer an inclusive, pan-European environment where researchers at all career stages can expand their professional networks and boost their scientific careers.
At present, over 250 COST Actions are ongoing worldwide, involving around 50,000 researchers from across Europe and beyond.
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