Challenges and Open Call for Grants
The DESIGNAE COST Action supports several types of grants as encouragement for a more collaborative network.
- The Call for Grants opens on 4 May 2026 and will remain open until a suitable applicant is selected or the available funds are fully allocated.
- Potential applicants should be a WG member before applying for any grant. If you are not yet part of DESIGNAE, please register at: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA24126/
- Carefully read the guidelines for each grant type, as application requirements and conditions may differ.
- The report must be submitted in e-COST after completion of the grant activity. All grants are reimbursed only after the report has been approved.
- All applications must be submitted via e-COST before undertaking any travel or paying any registration fees: https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants
- Each grant must start and end within a single grant period. For the current grant period, each activity needs to be finished by Sept. 15th..
- Daily Allowance per country: https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2026/03/2026-COST-Daily-Allowance-table.pdf
Before submitting: what you need to know
Grants presentation: recording and slides
SHORT-TERM SCIENTIFIC MISSIONS
OPEN NOW
CLOSED
Reopens on 22nd June
Short-Term Scientific Mission grant funds a visit to a host organization located in a different country than the country of affiliation by a researcher or innovator for specific work to be carried out and for a determined period of time.
STSM CHALLENGES
STSM 26_4.1 — Design aesthetics in light of regional tradition
Bioregional design is founded on the concept of tradition. As such, it is both anchored and innovative, and has the capacity to bridge socially. This mission sits within the Relational Tectonics field research situated in the area of Dauphiné (FR). It focuses on advancing the understanding of craft social tacit knowledge to contribute relational epistemology.
This STSM ambitions to contribute design aesthetics by critically contextualising the productions of a field research workshop with local traditional craft productions and fabrication methods. It will form an essential input for epistemological analysis.
Specific WG(s)
WG4
Provisional workplan:
- July – August: literature and archive work,
- August: workshop organisation participation & presentation,
- September: synthesis and lead or co-authoring of joint article (depending on profile).
Expected profile
Ecologist, botanist or biologist with familiarity with Mediterranean ecosystems. Interest in transdisciplinary, place-based, or more-than-human design approaches. Openness to working at the intersection of life sciences and design research.
Deliverables
Report on archival study, presentation, & article lead or co-writing.
Expected profile and previous experience
French speaking is mandatory. We wish demonstrated experience in relevant corpus analysis, lead authoring in the field of Design Studies, and familiarity with relevant epistemological concepts.
Related event
‘l’atelier de l’Epinay’ research workshop,
16th – 22nd August 2026.
Host Institution
Royal Danish Academy
Host Supervisor
Adrien Rigobello
Supporting DESIGNAE team
WG4 co-lead: Jelena Brajkovic, Derya Irkdas
Location
Hybrid in Grenoble (France, Rhône-Alpes, Isère)
Start and End date
∼ 06/07/2026 to 30/09/2026, mandatory in August
Additional information
https://adrienrigobello.com/relationaltectonics
https://adrienrigobello.com/latelierdelepinay
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August
STSM 26_4.2 — Methods for Making, Monitoring and Scaling Place Tuned Regenerative Infrastructures
How can regenerative interventions emerge from local materials, ecological processes, and cultural landscape practices, and how can the insights generated be translated into a flexible framework applicable across different sites?
This STSM is embedded in Making‑With the Meuse—a project developing tidal pools from reused materials in Rotterdam. It examines how place‑specific design interventions, can enable ecological growth and succession. The work bridges design theory and applied ecology by developing shared methods to describe, monitor, and iteratively adapt regenerative interventions over time: The core ambition is twofold: (1) to develop a monitoring approach that captures both ecological development and the underlying design and material decisions; and (2) to produce a transferable scale‑out framework that enables future teams to read other sites and design locally grounded interventions, rather than replicating the Rotterdam solution.
Specific WG(s)
WG4
Deliverables
- A monitoring framework integrating ecological indicators with design and material parameters
- A comparative site‑reading methodology linking flows, materials, and cultural practices to design choices
- A concise scale‑out framework translating situated experiments into reusable guidance
- A short report or publication draft documenting methods, findings, and implications for regenerative design practice
Host Institution:
Urban Reef
Host Supervisors:
Dr. Pierre Oskam
Supporting team:
Isabel Offenberg (RFL), TBA (Bureau Stadsnatuur), WG4
Location (Country/Region):
Netherlands, Rotterdam
Start and End date (flexible):
Between 01/06/2026/ to 15/08/2026 with 1 week in Rotterdam
STSM 26_4.3 — Low‑Carbon Binders for Robotic Extrusion in Regenerative Urban Structures
Urban Reef develops regenerative urban structures using a six‑axis robotic extrusion system. A central challenge is identifying a low‑carbon binder suitable for large‑format robotic 3D printing. The binder must allow continuous extrusion, provide rapid early strength for layer‑by‑layer deposition, remain durable in submerged and tidal conditions, and be ecologically safe in aquatic environments. Conventional Portland cement fails to meet these combined requirements, particularly in terms of carbon footprint.
As a result, a 30‑day visiting materials scientist residency will focus on advancing alternative, non‑Portland binder systems. The work will include a focused literature review, refinement of functional and ecological evaluation criteria, and laboratory testing of a shortlisted set of materials under robotic extrusion conditions at Urban Reef’s RDM Campus facility in Rotterdam. The aim is to generate practical insights for low‑carbon, ecologically compatible materials for regenerative urban infrastructure.
Specific WG(s)
WG4
Deliverables
- Lead a publication on low‑carbon, non‑Portland binders for large‑format robotic extrusion
- A concise evaluation framework covering extrusion performance, early strength, tidal durability, and ecological safety
- A shortlist of candidate binders with clear justification
- Preliminary lab extrusion tests and a brief technical summary with recommendations for next steps
Host Institution:
Urban Reef
Host Supervisors:
Dr. Pierre Oskam
Supporting team/ collaborating institutes:
Max Latour
Location (Country/Region):
Netherlands, Rotterdam
Start and End date (flexible):
30 days before 01-09-2026
STSM supporting documents
Closed STSM CHALLENGES
STSM 26_1.1 — [CLOSED] Co-developing a Place-Based Methodology for Multispecies Community Design
How can life science expertise inform the design of a facilitation methodology that attunes to a place and its living systems? This STSM invites an ecologist, botanist or biologist to visit the University of the Aegean in Syros, Greece, to collaborate with the host researchers in refining a multispecies community design methodology. Working together in Apano Meria, the visiting researcher will contribute their knowledge of living systems and ecological observation to strengthen the methodology’s scientific grounding.
Specific WG(s)
WG1
Expected profile
Ecologist, botanist or biologist with familiarity with Mediterranean ecosystems. Interest in transdisciplinary, place-based, or more-than-human design approaches. Openness to working at the intersection of life sciences and design research.
Expected outputs
- A refined place-based multispecies community design methodology
- Input into WG1 T1.1 and T1.2
- Co-authorship of a joint paper
Host Institution:
University of the Aegean
Host Supervisors:
Argyris Arnellos
Supporting team/ collaborating institutes:
Helen Charoupia
Apano Meria Social Cooperative
Location (Country/Region):
Greece, South Aegean, Syros
Start and End date (flexible):
25/05/2026 to 05/06/2026?
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August
VIRTUAL MOBILITY GRANTS
OPEN NOW
Until 8th June
Virtual Mobility grant consists of a collaboration in an online setting among researchers or innovators within the COST Action to exchange knowledge learn new techniques etc.
VMG CHALLENGES
VMG 26_6.2 — Design, development and launch of DESIGNAE newsletter
Design and Launch of the DESIGNAE Newsletter
Specific WG(s)
WG6
VM owners
Antonella Motta
Yuejiao Yang
Gonçalo Homes
Specific goal(s)
- Review communication and dissemination practices of comparable COST Actions and science communication initiatives to inform DESIGNAE’s approach
- Define the editorial concept, structure, and visual identity of the DESIGNAE newsletter, aligned with the Action’s dissemination strategy and target audiences
- Produce and publish the first issue of the DESIGNAE newsletter
Expected outputs
- Brief benchmarking report on communication practices of 4–6 comparable COST Actions, identifying replicable elements for DESIGNAE (internal document)
- Newsletter template with defined structure, editorial guidelines, and visual identity (replicable across issues)
- First published issue of the DESIGNAE newsletter
Required skills
- Demonstrated experience in science communication, editorial design, or research dissemination
- Editorial and content development skills, including structuring content for non-specialist audiences
- Proficiency in digital communication tools (web, newsletters, etc.)
- Strategic thinking and capacity to work within an established visual identity framework and adapt it to communication formats
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
VM Grants supporting documents
CLOSED
Closed VMG CHALLENGES
VMG 26_1.1 — [CHALLENGE CLOSED] Cross-WG survey to map SoA of DESIGNAE network
State of the Art of DESIGNAE Network: Development and implementation of a cross-WG survey to map the state of the art in biodesign for regeneration across the DESIGNAE network
Specific WG(s)
WG1, WG2 and/or WG3
VM owners
Cristiano Pedroso-Roussado,
Elisa Biala,
Renata Troian,
Derya Irkdas
Specific goal(s)
- Design and develop a survey to collect biodesign for regeneration cases, projects, and methodologies, materials, methods and practices within the DESIGNAE network
- Coordinate inputs across WG1-WG3 to ensure coherence and avoid repetition
- Implement the survey
Expected outputs
- Data collection protocol, cross-WG method for data collection
- Dataset
Required skills
- Experience in survey design and research methods
- Ability to synthesise interdisciplinary knowledge
- Data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative)
- Coordination and communication skills
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
VMG 26_1.2 — [CHALLENGE CLOSED] Analysis of Results and Report of survey
State of the Art of DESIGNAE Network: Iterative analysis and reporting of Cross-WG survey results, development of preliminary categories and taxonomy. (Dependent on VMG challenge 1.1)
Specific WG(s)
WG1, WG2, WG3
VM owners
Cristiano Pedroso-Roussado,
Elisa Biala,
Renata Troian,
Derya Irkdas
Specific goal(s)
- Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative analysis
- Produce an initial systematisation of knowledge, identifying gaps, clusters, and emerging directions
Expected outputs
- Short report (state of the art + key insights)
- Contribution to future publications / working papers
Required skills
- Experience in survey design and research methods
- Ability to synthesise interdisciplinary knowledge
- Data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative)
- Coordination and communication skills
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
VMG 26_1.3 — [CHALLENGE CLOSED] Conceptual design of online repository
Definition, conceptual design and structuring of an online repository for biodesign for regeneration
Specific WG(s)
WG1 and WG6
VM owners
Helen Charoupuia,
Gonçalo Gomes
Specific goal(s)
- Define the preliminary architecture and taxonomy of the repository
- Align repository structure with cross-WG survey (VMG challenge 1)
- Develop criteria for data collection, classification and curation
- Conceptualise the observatory
Expected outputs
- Conceptual framework for the observatory
- Repository structure (categories, metadata, taxonomy)
- Guideline for data collection and curation
Required skills
- Experience in structuring data, repositories, digital platforms
- System thinking and information architecture
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible formats
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
VMG 26_5.1 — [CHALLENGE CLOSED - RE-OPENS NEXT YEAR] Legal and policy instruments mapping in biodesign
Biodesign practice operates across a complex and fragmented landscape of legal and regulatory frameworks — from biosafety and biosecurity regulations to intellectual property, environmental law, and ethical governance. Yet there is currently no consolidated map of how these instruments apply to biodesign projects across different geographies and disciplinary contexts. This VMG aims to produce a foundational mapping of the relevant legal and policy instruments, establishing a baseline that WG5 and the broader DESIGNAE network can build on in subsequent work.
Specific WG(s)
WG5
VM owners
Prateek Shankar,
Gemma Andreone,
Pascale Ricard
Specific goal(s)
- Survey existing legal and policy instruments relevant to biodesign across key geographies
- Identify gaps, overlaps, and points of friction between regulatory frameworks and biodesign practice
- Produce a structured, annotated map of findings
Expected outputs
- Annotated regulatory landscape map
- Short synthesis report identifying key gaps and priorities for further work
Required skills
- Background in law, policy, or regulatory studies
- Familiarity with biodesign, synthetic biology, or adjacent fields
- Research synthesis and documentation skills
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
VMG 26_6.1 — [CHALLENGE CLOSED] Organisation of online seminars series
Supports the organisation and coordination of a series of online seminars within the DESIGNAE network. The seminars aim to foster knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and visibility of ongoing research across Working Groups, contributing to the development of a shared language and collaborative culture within the Action.
Specific WG(s)
WG6
VM owners
Antonella Motta
Yuejiao
Specific goal(s)
- Design and coordinate a series of online seminars/webinars aligned with DESIGNAE themes
- Identify and engage speakers from across WGs and external experts
- Develop a coherent seminar format and communication approach
- Facilitate interdisciplinary exchange between domains
Expected outputs
- Organisation of 2—4 online seminars
- Seminar programme (agenda, speakers, topics)
- Communication materials (announcements, visuals, summaries)
- Short report documenting:
Key insights and discussions
- Participation and engagement
c. Recorded sessions and/or documentation for dissemination
Required skills
- Experience in event organisation (especially online formats)
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- Ability to work across interdisciplinary contexts
- Familiarity with digital platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, webinar tools)
- Interest in biodesign, regenerative design or related fields
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
VMG 26_6.3 — [CHALLENGE CLOSED] Challenge Exploring exhibition concepts
Conceptual Framework and Exhibition Roadmap for DESIGNAE’s Public Dissemination
Specific WG(s)
WG4, WG6
VM owners
Gonçalo Gomes
Jelena Brajkovic,
Ines Mehu-Blantar
Specific goal(s)
- Develop an initial curatorial concept for the DESIGNAE final exhibition, including thematic direction, narrative arc, and proposed structure, in coordination with WG4 and WG6
- Identify a set of hybrid dissemination formats (physical installations, digital interfaces, online exhibition layers) able to translate research outputs into experiential public formats
- Map the sequence of public-facing dissemination moments across the Action’s timeline (including potential travelling or partial exhibitions) and define their relationship to the final exhibition
Expected outputs
- Exhibition concept document (theme, narrative structure, proposed sections, and relationship to the Action’s WG outputs)
- Brief for hybrid formats, identifying 2–3 concrete format proposals with rationale
- Dissemination roadmap identifying key exhibition moments, formats, and audiences across the Action’s timeline
Required skills
- Demonstrated experience in exhibition design, curation, or design communication in research or cultural contexts (portfolio)
- Capacity to translate interdisciplinary scientific and design research into public-facing experiential formats
- Strategic and conceptual thinking applied to communication planning
- Experience working collaboratively in distributed or international teams and across different disciplines
All VM correspond to 1-month distributed work effort
Duration of 1-3 months (should conclude in August)
ITC Conference Grant
OPEN NOW
CLOSED
Reopens on 22nd June
An ITC Conference Grant is a financial support mechanism that covers travel and accommodation costs for researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) to attend conferences relevant to their Action’s scientific objectives.
ITC Conference Grant supporting documents
YRI Conference Grant
OPEN NOW
CLOSED
A YRI Conference Grant provides financial support for Young Researchers and Innovators (under 40 years old) to cover travel and accommodation costs when attending conferences relevant to their Action’s scientific objectives.
YRI Conference Grant supporting documents
Dissemination Conference Grant
OPEN NOW
CLOSED
Financial support that partially covers travel and accommodation costs for presentations at third-party conferences. The grant is exclusively intended for presenting results from Working Group activities and does not support the presentation of personal research.
Dissemination Conference Grant supporting documents
host A DESignae Event
DESIGNAE thrives on the connections its members build across institutions and disciplines, and hosting is one of the most direct ways to anchor that collaborative work in real places and real partnerships.
Whether you’re offering your institution as a venue for a working meeting or workshop, or opening your research environment to a visiting student, professor, or innovator through a Short-Term Scientific Mission, if you have the space, the will, and the institutional support, we want to hear from you.
- Are you available to host a DESIGNAE event at your Host Institution (meeting, workshop)
> Hosting a DESIGNAE Event Form
> Rules for Hosting a DESIGNAE activity
Present a Challenge
- Do you want to host a DESIGNAE international student, professor, researcher and/or innovator in your institute to develop scientific activities related with DESIGNAE?
> Present an Short-term Scientific Mission Challenge Form
Contact
Any general queries about DESIGNAE should be directed to:
