CALL 2 (Done) - October 31^th 2015 (extended to November 20^th)

for STSM to start after January 1^st 2016

CALL 4 (Done) - October 31^th 2016 (extended to November 25^th)

for STSM to start after January 1^st 2017 and end before March 30^th, 2017 (Fundings on GP3)

CALL 6 (Done) - October 31^th 2017

for STSM to start after January 1^st 2018 and end before March 30^th, 2018 (Fundings on GP4)

Two types of STSMs: 'regular' and 'special'

According to MC decision in Norwich, from September 2016  POSITIVe Action recognises two different types of short-term scientific missions (STSMs): “regular” and “special”.

Both types of STSM are available to all eligible candidates from any institution from the POSITIVe network.

The same criteria regarding the eligibility and financial support apply to both types of STSMs.

Equal funds (50% of budget for STSMs in each GP) will be allocated to both types of STSMs.

Both types of STSMs aim to support the exchange between individuals and institutions, to strengthen the network, and are excellent opportunity for young researchers to learn new techniques, gain access to specific data, instruments and methods not available in their own institutions.

What is different?

The “regular” STSMs have bottom-up approach and candidates, in collaboration with their hosts, propose the objectives of their missions within the scientific scope of the POSITIVe Action. 

Applications for “regular” STSMs must follow the pre-defined deadlines (available at the website and disseminated in advance through email).

Proposals for “regular” STSMs are evaluated using 5 criteria (research, training, researcher, implementation and impact) by the STSM Committee.

The “special” STSMs aim to explicitly support work to be performed within the working groups, towards direct objectives of the POSITIVe action.

The “special” STSMs have top-down approach and the objectives of the mission are proposed by WG leaders in collaboration with the experts in the field that will host and coordinate the mission.  

As they should be able to respond fast to urgent matters in WG, applications for “special” STSMs do not need to follow the pre-defined deadlines. The Call for “direct” STSM is, in general, open all the time. The Call for specific topic is launched upon the decision and definition within each WG, and potential candidates are informed about the particular mission through website and circular email. Candidates who are interested to work on the pre-defined objectives should contact WG leaders or the Host scientists.

Applications for “special” STSMs are evaluated mostly based on research interests, experience and expertise of the candidates, and taking into account gender and geographical balance. Evaluation for “direct” STSMs is performed by the host scientist (as an expert in the field) and the WG leader.