Virtual Mobility Grants for MedPlants4Vet Researchers

Background

In the framework of their activities, WG5 developed and launched a series of stakeholder surveys targeting academia, policymakers, industry and end users, with the aim of collecting evidence on current practices, perceptions, challenges and regulatory needs.

The next phase of the work focuses on analysing the survey data, facilitating stakeholder discussions through a co-creation workshop, and translating the findings into evidence-based recommendations that can contribute to future policy and legislative developments concerning Herbal Veterinary Medicinal Products (HVMPs).

Objectives

The selected applicant will contibute to:

• the analysis, interpretation and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative survey data.
• identifying common trends, gaps and differences across stakeholder groups.
• assisting in the preparation of summaries and visual materials to facilitate workshop discussions.
• the preparation of materials that will inform stakeholder discussions and the development of policy recommendations.
• the documentation of the co-creation workshop outcomes.
• the preparation of scientific and dissemination outputs arising from the activity.

Expected Deliverables

The grantee is expected to provide:

1. A short report summarising the work performed during the VM period (including materiels and methods);
2. A structured dataset containing information from the analysis of surveys answers;
3. Contribution to WG5 meetings and discussions related to surveys findings;
4. Support for related WG5 publications and outputs.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be a member of MP4V and preferably WG5.
• Be able to demonstrate relevant methodological experience aligned with the call objectives.
• Be affiliated with a legal entity in a COST Full or Cooperating Member or Near Neighbour Country (NNC).
• Have an updated e-COST profile (https://e-services.cost.eu).
• Participation from Early Career Investigators (ECIs) and applicants from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) is strongly encouraged.

Application Requirements

Applications are submitted via the e-COST system and must include:

• Virtual Mobility Grant Application (Annex 1)
• CV (maximum 2 pages, PDF)
• For Prioritized WG5 activity applicants:
  • A letter of commitment from the home institution signed by the home supervisor indicating the commitment to executing the expected plan for WG5 (Annex 2).
  • Mail of confirmation from the WG 5 leader (to be attached as pdf) upon the agreement with the home institution supervisor
    Sophie Barreteau
    ANSES – French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety
    Email: sophie.barreteau(at)anses.fr
• A valid student ID or a researcher confirmation document from the employing authority; verifying the applicant's field of work is related to the areas are relevant to the virtual mobility tasks.

Grant Amount and Budget Framework

• Each Virtual Mobility Grant awarded under this call provides a fixed contribution of €1000 to successful applicants.
• The grant is a flat-rate contribution intended to cover the time and resources invested by the grantee in virtual collaboration. It does not require receipts or expense reports.
• Activities to be covered the VM call will be between 01.09.2026-30.09.2026.
  • Call opens: 19 August 2026
  • Call closes: 26 August 2026
  • Virtual Mobility period ends: 15 October 2026
• Payment is made after the successful submission and approval of the final report in e-COST.
• Number of funded VM Grants: 1 grant.
• All activities must be completed within the current Grant Period and must comply with COST rules as described in the COST Annotated Rules (COST 094/21) and the Grant Awarding User Guide.  

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by WG5 leadership, in coordination with the Grant Awarding Coordinator, based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience with analysis of survey data findings and structured data handling.
• Ability to perform data validation and quality control in line with WG3 methodology.
• Feasibility of the proposed work within the defined Virtual Mobility period. A proposal for the delivery of results in the near future will be particularly valued.
• Supervisor approval and applicant availability during the VM period.

Priority may be given to applicants whose expertise directly addresses urgent WG5 tasks needs.

Reporting and Reimbursement

A report (Annex 3) must be submitted via e-COST no later than October 15th, 2026. A short report version of the grantees' of their experience to be published in the newsletter and to contribute with content (posts, pictures, short videos etc) for the Action social media and Website (Annex 4).

The grant is paid after approval of the final report by the Grant Awarding Coordinator and Grant Holder.

Important Dates

Call opens: 19 August 2026
Deadline for applications: 26 August 2026
Deadline for completion and dataset: 30 September 2026
Deadline for final report VM (Annex 3; Annex 4): 15 October 2026

Need Help?

Grant Awarding Coordinators

Begum Yurdakok Dikmen (byurdakok(at)yahoo.com)
Ivona Foitova (foitova(at)sci.muni.cz)

Administrative and general matters

Maura Ellenberger (maura.ellenberger(at)fibl.org)

Concerning the Action Chair

Theresa Schlittenlacher (theresa.schlittenlacher(at)fibl.org)
Marta Mendel (marta_mendel(at)sggw.edu.pl)

Concernig the VM scientific matters/alignment

Contact the Working Group 5 Leader: Sophie Barreteau (sophie.barreteau(at)anses.fr)