The COST Action SMILES has launched its Final Call 2026 for ITC Conference Grants and YRI Conference Grants under its Fourth Grant Period, supporting participation in high-level international conferences aligned with the Action’s scientific objectives. The call is designed to strengthen the visibility of researchers working on ecosystem services in small and medium-sized European islands, while fostering collaboration and networking across the COST community.
The ITC Conference Grant supports Action Participants affiliated with legal entities in Inclusiveness Target Countries or Near Neighbour Countries, while the YRI Conference Grant supports Young Researchers and Innovators presenting a poster or oral presentation of their own work. In both cases, the grant enables attendance at a third-party conference and contributes to travel, accommodation, subsistence, registration fees, and related costs.
Applications are open throughout the year until financing is available, and only conferences taking place before 14 October 2026 are eligible. Grants provide up to EUR 1,500 for face-to-face conferences or EUR 500 for virtual conferences. Applicants must submit their request via e-COST and provide the required supporting documents, including the conference acceptance letter, abstract, CV, and the application form.
Successful applicants must acknowledge COST Action CA21158 SMILES in their final contribution to the conference. After the event, grantees have 30 calendar days from the end date of the mission to submit the scientific report, or until 15 October in the case of final applications.