EUPopLink Call for WG4 Short-Term Scientific Missions

The COST Action EUPopLink (CA23102) announces a call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs). STSMs support short research visits aimed at fostering new collaborations and inspiring research among EUPopLink partners.

STSM Period

All STSM activities must be completed by September 30, 2026.

Content and Focus

This STSM will focus on activities related to Working Group 4 (WG4), supporting the dissemination and communication of one of the main scientific outputs of the EUPopLink COST Action: the country reports on populism and Euroscepticism, which will be published until the end of the STSM in the Open Research Europe (ORE) collection "Linking Populism and Euroscepticism." 

The main objective of the STSM is to develop a scientific communication strategy centered on these country reports by creating a visually engaging and reusable template for social media posts (LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook). The template should effectively communicate the main findings of each country report while attracting the attention of both academic and non-academic audiences. 

Financial Support

Successful applicants may receive a grant of up to €2,000.

Obligations

• Develop a visual identity and template (e.g. using Canva) for promoting the country reports across social media platforms under the supervision of the EUPopLink WG leader or the EUPopLink Science Communication Coordinator.
• Submit a report detailing the main achievements of the STSM and planned future follow up activities.
• Provide a brief overview of the STSM experience and key outcomes, prepared for use in social media posts on EUPopLink channels.
• Maintain full-time presence at the STSM host institution for the entire duration of the mission.

Reporting and Grant Claims

Within 30 days of completing the activity, grantees must submit the following via the e-COST system:

1. A formal claim for the payment of the grant.
2. A scientific report to the Action MC detailing the main achievements and planned future follow-up activities.

Eligibility

• A Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) consists of a visit to a host organization in a country different from the applicant’s country of affiliation, undertaken by a researcher or innovator for specific work to be carried out within a determined period of time. 
• Applicants must have a research profile that fits the main aims of EUPopLink, focusing on the study of Euroscepticism and/or Populism.
• Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of scientific communication and dissemination, together with experience in producing communication materials for academic or public audiences.
• Experience with graphic design and content creation software (e.g. Canva, or equivalent) as well as social media communication tools will be considered an asset.

Priorities

Applications must include a well-designed work plan and a justified budget, reflecting the travel distance, duration, and intended outputs of the mission. Priority will be given to:

• Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) and researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC).
• Active Members of EUPopLink Working Groups (gender balance will also be considered).

Evaluation criteria:

Applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating their knowledge and experience relevant to the objectives of the STSM. The application should provide evidence of: (a) experience in science communication and dissemination activities; (b) experience in designing visual communication materials and/or managing social media content, as demonstrated through previous projects. 

Timeline

• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

How to Apply

Submit your application via e-COST. You may need to create an account first. Select Action Number CA23102. For detailed guidance, please consult the COST Action Grant Awarding Guide.

Required Documents:

1. STSM Grant Application (e-COST template).
2. Written confirmation from the host institution agreeing to receive the applicant.
3. Specified dates, duration, and host details.
4. Bank details.

Clarifications

The COST Association and the Grant Holder of the Action cannot be considered as being an STSM grantee’s employer. STSM grantees must make their own arrangements for all provisions related to personal security, health, taxation, social security and pension matters. 

Questions? Contact Grant Awarding Coordinator Dr Egle Butkeviciene (egle.butkeviciene@ktu.lt) or the EUPopLink Scientific Secretaries (eupoplink@polsci.auth.gr).