The COST Association is proud to announce the release of its latest video highlighting the inspiring and transformative work of the COST Academy. The video, now available on YouTube, captures the dynamic and engaging experience of COST Academy trainings.

Empowering researchers through hands-on training

The COST Academy embodies COST commitment to excellence and inclusiveness, and provides participants with practical training for leadership roles in COST Actions. Anna Toivonen, COST Academy Coordinator, explained: “The COST Academy is a unique opportunity for participants in COST Actions. We provide very practical training for different leadership roles, with knowledge that can be immediately applied to the management of the Action’s research network. Since its inception, the Academy has grown continuously and has trained more than 8,000 researchers and innovators”.

With topics such as science communication, grant management, policy training, and gender equality, the COST Academy ensures that participants acquire diverse, transferable skills that enhance their professional growth and the success of their research networks.

A platform for networking and cooperation

The COST Academy is more than a training initiative, it is a platform that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing across the COST Action community. Dr Emiljano Kaziaj and Dr Angelo Basteris, COST Science Officers and contributors to the Academy, highlighted its impact: “COST Academy provides a unique platform for Action leaders to come together, share knowledge and learn from peers and experienced Chairs. Participants gain new perspectives and approaches to successfully lead their networks, benefiting hundreds of researchers and innovators.”

The Science Officers also highlighted the Academy’s role in fostering lasting collaborations between participants: “Participants are encouraged to think beyond the life of their Action and find ways to turn these Actions into lasting collaborations that can make a difference in their own research fields and for the benefit of society at large.”

Since its establishment in 2017, the COST Academy has supported COST Actions by providing workshops, webinars and courses that equip participants with essential skills for managing research networks.
The Academy’s flexible and evolving approach ensures that training remains relevant and effective, driven by feedback from participants and COST staff.

• More than 8,000 COST Action participants trained
• 45+ training events per year
• 45% of participants are from Inclusiveness Target Countries
• 35% of participants are early-stage researchers

For more information on the COST Academy, please follow the link.