VNT Calls
Virtual Networking Tool Application
What is the goal of GliMR 2.0?
- Investigating advanced Glioma MR imaging methods to improve decision making in diagnosis, patient monitoring, and assessment of treatment of glial brain tumors.
- Build a pan-European and multidisciplinary network of international experts in glioma research, patient organisations, data scientists, and MR imaging scientists to advance MR imaging methods and clinical practice.
What are VNTs?
Virtual Networking Tools aim to introduce two new types of Grants to build capacity and spread the uptake of virtual collaboration across different research communities, in the form of a pilot scheme running until 31 October 2022. There are two types of Grants:
Virtual Networking Support (VNS) Grants
The VNS grants aim at promoting virtual collaboration as a complement to traditional ways of collaboration within the research and innovation communities. This mechanism intends to stimulatevirtual collaboration among the members of a given Action.
The activities expected to be performed by the successful applicant, but not limited to, are:
- Prepare and distribute a detailed strategy on virtual networking for the entire Action among the MC members of the Action and the COST Science Officer (following consultation with Action participants, subject to MC approval).
- Support the MC in the discussions and planning of virtual events and collaboration activities.
- Assist in the selection of hosts for the virtual networking events and collaboration activities/
- Assist the selected host in preparing and coordinating online events and collaboration activities (including the analysis of technical needs).
- Oversee the selection of the most appropriate virtual tools for each specific virtual activity (webinar, virtual conference, online library containing learning material for use by the Action members) considering the needs of the Action and the activities (need for sub-groups, forums, etc.), demonstrate the principle of the best value for money, adhere to GDPR requirements.
- Support the call, evaluation process, and coordination of the Virtual Mobility Grants (upon the decision of the MC).
Virtual Mobility (VM) Grants
The VM grants aim at strengthening the existing networks by allowing scientists to foster collaboration in a virtual setting, to exchange knowledge, learn new techniques, disseminate the Action results, etc
The activities expected to be performed by the successful applicant, but not limited to, are:
- To support the harmonization and standardization of methods and procedures within the Action networking activities, e.g.
- Setting up a survey amongst all Action members to collect different results and outcomes from experiments done in their respective labs and research groups.
- Coordinating the discussions to create common protocols to be used by the network afterward.
- Preparing questionnaires and response scales to be used by the Action members as part of virtual networking activities.
- To support the implementation of research related activities that o not necessarily require in-person presence, e.g.
- Computational or modeling activities.
- Data analysis of the Action for a specific report or activity
- The virtual mentoring scheme, with a special focus on activities and exchanges, that can generate capacity building and new skills, particularly for ECI researchers (e.g., managerial skills, methodological skills, communication skills, etc.)
- Content preparation and coordination of science communication activities, e.g.
- Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC)
- Online workshops like ‘webinar series’ or ‘tv series’-like format
- Online COST Action workshops in external international conferences or events, when the applicant can demonstrate a role in the organising committee, that would help in the promotion of the Action activities
- To support the harmonization and standardization of methods and procedures within the Action networking activities, e.g.
The VNTs should specifically contribute to our goals specified above. Our mission is to facilitate networking and provide individuals with the opportunity to learn new techniques and/or gain access to specific data or methods not available at their own institutions regarding glioma MR imaging. The work undertaken in an VNTs needs to be aligned with the objectives of one or more of the Working Groups as described by the Memorandum of Understanding. This includes, but is not limited to, research into gadolinium-free imaging methods, multi-site data sharing and infrastructure, novel imaging biomarkers, and application of advanced imaging in clinical trials and practice.
Who can apply?
Virtual Networking Support (VNS) Grants
The VNS applicant(s) are Action participants with a primary affiliation to an institution located in a COST Full or Cooperating Member country or a COST Near Neighbour Country participating in the Action. The applicant(s) shall be prepared, among others, to develop a virtual networking strategy, coordinate the call for expression of interest for the Virtual Mobility Grants, and draft a report to be approved by the MC (further details are provided in the Vademecum).
Templates: Application – Report
Virtual Mobility (VM) Grants
The VM applicant(s) are Action participants with a primary affiliation to an institution located in a COST Full or Cooperating Member country or a COST Near Neighbour Country participating in the Action. The applicant(s) shall inform the MC about the aim of the VM Grant and how its outcomes will generate benefits to the Action, actively contribute to the overall objectives and relevant deliverables of the Action and submit an activity report at the end, to be approved by the VNS manager on behalf of the MC.
Templates: Application – Report
What can you apply for?
Applications for VNTs can be submitted until 30 September 2021, at the latest. The VNT will be a fixed grant and the awarded grant will be paid only after the VNTs has been completed and the report with the achievements will be submitted and approved.
The calculation of the financial contribution for each VNT must respect the following criteria:
- Up to a maximum of EUR 4000 for VNS can be awarded per Grant Period afforded to each successful applicant.
- A maximum of 6 Virtual Mobility Grants per Action per Grant Period can be awarded. Each Virtual Mobility Grant cannot exceed EUR 1 500.
When can you apply?
For this call, a total budget of EUR 7500 has been allocated. The amount granted for each individual VNT will be determined during the evaluation process. Deadline for applications is 30 September 2022.
How can you apply?
- Applicants must complete and submit their STSM application online here.
- The list of supporting documents to be submitted includes:
- VNS grant application for the VNS grant using the dedicated template.
- VM gran application for the VM grant using the dedicated template.
- Consult also the Virtual Networking Tools (VNT) User guide.
If unsure about anything, please first consult the COST Vademecum, Section 10, and the FAQ, before turning to the VNT coordinator, Dr. Ruben Emanuel Nechifor (glimr.cost.applications@gmail.com).
What happens after submission?
- The evaluation of each submitted VNS grant application is performed by the Action’s MC. The Action Chair or an appointed Coordinator / Committee can assume this responsibility if the Action’s MC gives them the mandate to perform this task on their behalf. The evaluation criteria defined by the Action’s MC shall be communicated to all potential applicants.
- The evaluation of each received VM grant application is performed by the Action’s MC. The Action Chair or an appointed Coordinator / Committee can assume this responsibility if the Action’s MC gives them the mandate to perform this task on their behalf. The person responsible for performing the related tasks is called Virtual Networking Support (VNS) Manager, as defined under Section 10.1. The evaluation criteria defined by the Action’s MC shall be communicated to all potential applicants.
What are the criteria for awarding VNT?
The selection of successful grantee shall be based on contributions to the overall objectives of the Action, the approved strategy on the virtual networking for the Actionand the implementation of the COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy.
For further information regarding VNT, contact GliMR VNT coordinator, Ruben Nechifor at glimr.cost.applications@gmail.com.