Topic of the COST Action CA22167
There is a significant international commitment to give non-academics a greater role in science to help deliver impactful research and realise the European vision of science for the people, by the people. To support this commitment, the PAAR-Net COST Action (CA22167) focuses on knowledge co-production, labelled here as participatory approaches, in research, policymaking and practice.
The Action focuses on research, policy and practice intervention designs by experts-by-training (usually academics) and experts-by-experience (usually non-academics). The Action focuses on a specific group of experts-by-experience who are often not included in research, namely older adults (aged 65 and older, including those at risk of social exclusion).
- PAAR-Net aims to gather, exchange and advance knowledge on participatory approaches with older adults (including those at risk of social exclusion) by asking the following questions: How can diverse groups of older adults be meaningfully involved to contribute their perspectives and experience (including those at risk of social exclusion) in participatory approaches to research, policy and practice development.
- How do participatory approaches with diverse older adults (including those at risk of social exclusion) impact research processes and the quality of data gathered?
- How do participatory approaches impact those (academics and non-academics) involved in research (e.g., wellbeing, reciprocal learning, emancipation)?
Understanding STSM and Virtual Mobility
A Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) consists of a face-to-face visit to a host institution located in a different country than the applicant’s country of affiliation. STSMs support international collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of joint research activities through in-person engagement.
A Virtual Mobility (VM) Grant supports collaboration in an online setting among researchers and innovators within the COST Action. Through Virtual Mobility activities, participants can exchange knowledge, develop new skills, prepare scientific outputs and strengthen international collaborations without travelling.
The current call is open exclusively for Virtual Mobility (VM) Grants.
The following information is drawn from the Annotated Rules for COST Actions (Version 3.0).
3rd Call for Virtual Mobility Grants (Grant Period 3)
The COST Action CA22167 – Participatory Approaches with Older Adults (PAAR-Net) is pleased to announce the 3rd Call for Virtual Mobility (VM) Grants for activities taking place between 20 July 2026 and 15 September 2026.
For Grant Period 3, PAAR-Net particularly welcomes proposals leading to:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Funding applications
- Policy and practice developments
- Public engagement and dissemination activities
- Other outputs contributing to the objectives of the Action
Virtual Mobility activities should clearly contribute to the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of COST Action CA22167.
Who Can Apply?
Virtual Mobility Grants are intended for Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) as well as established researchers.
In accordance with the COST inclusiveness strategy, PAAR-Net particularly encourages applications from researchers affiliated with institutions in Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and Near Neighbour Countries (NNCs).
Applicants actively contributing to PAAR-Net activities, including Working Groups, the Older Co-Creators Group, Science Communication activities, Stakeholder Engagement activities, the Young Researchers and Innovators Group and Action Management, will be given priority during the evaluation process.
Amount of grants
The financial support on offer is a contribution to the overall expenses incurred during the Virtual Mobility activity and may not necessarily cover all associated costs.
The following funding conditions apply:
- A Virtual Mobility grantee can be awarded up to a maximum of EUR 1,500.
- For Grant Period 3, PAAR-Net has allocated a total budget of EUR 11,650 for Virtual Mobility activities.
- Activities must take place entirely between 20 July 2026 and 15 September 2026.
- Final grant amounts will be determined during the evaluation process.
- Grants are paid only after successful completion of the activity and approval of the final report.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through e-COST.
Applicants are required to upload the following documents:
- Application Form (available in e-COST)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Work Plan
- Motivation Letter
- Confirmation that collaboration partner(s) have been informed and agreed to participate
The Work Plan should clearly describe:
- Objectives of the collaboration
- Timeline of activities
- Planned tasks and responsibilities
- Expected outputs and deliverables
- Contribution to PAAR-Net objectives
- Knowledge transfer and dissemination plans
Expected outputs may include peer-reviewed publications, funding applications, policy briefs, practice-oriented outputs, dissemination materials and public engagement activities.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Formal Compliance
- Alignment with the objectives of COST Action CA22167
- Feasibility and Implementation
- Impact and Sustainability
- Contribution to PAAR-Net activities
- Priority for YRIs from ITC/NNC countries
- Applicant’s expertise and capability to contribute to the proposed topic
Important Dates
Application Deadline:
9 July 2026 (12:00 CET)
Expected Notification of Results:
Around 20 July 2026
Eligible Activity Period:
20 July 2026 – 15 September 2026
Provided that funding remains available, an additional call may be launched in September 2026.
After the Virtual Mobility
- The work carried out
- Main achievements
- Outcomes and deliverables
- Future follow-up activities