Deadline: 13-Feb-2026
The TREASURE ITC Conference Grant Program supports researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and Near Neighbour Countries (NNCs) to present their work at high-level international conferences not organized by COST. The grant enhances research visibility, networking, and collaboration within COST Action objectives, offering up to EUR 1,000 for in-person conferences and up to EUR 500 for online participation.
TREASURE ITC Conference Grant Program Overview
The TREASURE ITC Conference Grant Program provides targeted financial support to Action Participants affiliated with institutions in Inclusiveness Target Countries or Near Neighbour Countries. The program enables researchers to attend and deliver oral presentations at third-party conferences aligned with the scientific scope of the TREASURE COST Action.
Focus and Strategic Objectives of the Action
The TREASURE Action focuses on understanding the impact of maternal stress on infant health outcomes. The grant aligns with the COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy and supports:
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Young Action Participants from ITCs and NNCs
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Strengthening international research networks
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Increasing researcher and Action visibility
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Knowledge exchange at high-level scientific conferences
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Collaboration across six Working Groups defined in the Memorandum of Understanding
Purpose of the ITC Conference Grant
The primary objective of the ITC Conference Grant is to support young Action Participants in:
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Establishing strong and sustainable research networks
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Increasing scientific visibility and dissemination of results
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Sharing original research aligned with TREASURE priorities
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Gaining new knowledge and fostering collaboration
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Enhancing the overall visibility of the TREASURE Action
Grant Structure and Financial Support
This second call under the ITC Conference Grant offers:
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Number of grants available: 2
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Face-to-face conference support: up to EUR 1,000
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Online conference support: up to EUR 500
Eligible costs may include:
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Travel expenses
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Accommodation
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Subsistence costs
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Registration fees
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General conference-related expenses
The grant is a contribution and may not cover all costs. Payment is made only after confirmed conference attendance.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
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Be an Action Participant affiliated with a legal entity in an ITC or NNC
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Deliver an oral presentation of their own work
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Present research clearly within the scope of the TREASURE Action
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Attend a high-level conference fully organized by a third party
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Not have previously received ITC funding in most cases
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Complete the supported conference by 01 October 2026
Eligible Conferences and Presentations
Supported conferences must:
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Be fully organized by a third party
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Not be organized or co-organized by COST
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Include an accepted oral presentation by the applicant
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Be relevant to the scientific objectives of the TREASURE Action
Why This Grant Matters
The ITC Conference Grant is important because it:
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Promotes inclusiveness within European research collaboration
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Supports early-career researchers from underrepresented regions
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Enhances international visibility of ITC and NNC researchers
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Strengthens cross-country scientific networks
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Advances the impact and dissemination of TREASURE research
How to Apply Through the e-COST System
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the e-COST management tool.
Step 1: Complete the online application with presentation and conference details.
Step 2: Specify the requested budget and attendance type.
Step 3: Upload all required supporting documents.
Step 4: Clearly explain relevance, motivation, career impact, and networking benefits.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload:
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Completed application form via e-COST
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Abstract of the accepted oral presentation highlighting TREASURE-related achievements
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Acceptance or invitation letter from conference organizers
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Curriculum vitae (CV)
Applicants must clearly demonstrate:
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Relevance of the conference to the Action
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Motivation for applying
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Expected career and networking impact
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Contribution to researcher and Action visibility
Obligations After Conference Completion
Within 30 days of the conference end date, grantees must submit:
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A report to the Action Management Committee describing outcomes and visibility
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Proof of attendance
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Conference programme or abstract book indicating the oral presentation
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A copy of the delivered presentation
Failure to submit all required documentation on time results in cancellation of the grant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Applying without an accepted oral presentation
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Selecting conferences linked to COST organization
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Submitting incomplete or unclear documentation
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Failing to justify relevance to the TREASURE Action
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Missing the 30-day post-conference reporting deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum funding available under the ITC Conference Grant?
Up to EUR 1,000 for in-person conferences and up to EUR 500 for online conferences.
Who can apply for this grant?
Action Participants affiliated with institutions in Inclusiveness Target Countries or Near Neighbour Countries.
Are poster presentations eligible?
No. The grant supports oral presentations only.
Can conferences organized by COST be supported?
No. Conferences must be fully organized by third parties.
When must the conference be completed?
All supported conferences must be completed by 01 October 2026.
When is the grant paid?
The grant is paid only after confirmed attendance and submission of all required post-conference documents.
Conclusion
The TREASURE ITC Conference Grant Program plays a critical role in promoting inclusiveness, strengthening research capacity, and enhancing international visibility for researchers from ITCs and NNCs. By supporting oral presentations at high-level third-party conferences, the program advances both individual career development and the scientific impact of the TREASURE COST Action.
For more information, visit TREASURE.
