Open Call for Applications: Young Researcher & Innovator (YRI) Grant
For missions undertaken between January 2026 and October 2026
Written by Dr Carolin Gluchowski (carolin.gluchowski@uni-hamburg.de)
Last updated: 15 January 2026
Important Information
- Mission period: 10 January 2026 – 31 October 2026
- Call closes: 4 February 2026
- Notification of results: mid-February
- Maximum amount: 2.500 € (in-person) / 500 € (online)
About PRAYTICIPATE
PRAYTICIPATE (CA23143) investigates how people participated through prayer in the late medieval and early modern world (c. 1300–1800). We explore liturgical access and authority, devotional communities, ritual labour and care, embodied practices and vocal participation, and the material/spatial infrastructures of prayer across Europe and beyond.
What is an YRI Conference Grant?
YRI Grants support doctoral candidates and early-career researchers (under 40) to disseminate Action-related results at conferences (talks or posters), strengthen networks, and increase the Action’s visibility. Topics must clearly relate to participation through prayer in the late medieval and early modern world (c. 1300–1800)—e.g., liturgical practice, devotional communities, ritual and care, sound/space, authority, and material infrastructures of prayer.
Eligibility Rules
To apply for an YRI Grant, all the following must be met (standard COST rules):
- Be participants of COST Action CA23143 – PRAYTICIPATE with an active e-COST profile.
- Be PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, or early-career staff (under 40 on the first day of the event).
- Present original research linked to PRAYTICIPATE objectives (oral or poster).
- Submit a complete e-COST application before the deadline and complete reporting after the event.
- Note: The Grant Awarding Committee may prioritize ITC-affiliated applicants and balanced representation across gender/ITC/YRI, in line with COST policies.
Financial Rules
- Maximum amounts:
- 2,500 € for face-to-face conferences
- 500 € for online conferences
- What can be covered: travel (incl. travel insurance), accommodation (incl. breakfast), and conference fees.
- What cannot be covered: salaries, equipment purchases, or non-conference-related costs.
- Important: COST Daily Allowance rates do not apply to these grants.
- The Grant Awarding Committee may approve less than requested depending on budget and value for money.
- Note: The Grant Awarding Committee may prioritise ITC-affiliated applicants and balanced representation across gender/ITC/YRI, in line with COST policies.
Evaluation & Awarding
Applications are evaluated by the Grant Awarding Coordinator and Core Group on behalf of the MC.
- Fit to PRAYTICIPATE objectives and WG tasks (consult the MoU).
- Scientific quality and feasibility of the work plan and expected outcomes.
- Applicant profile (skills/experience/CV; for PhD students, supervisor statement).
- Suitability of the host environment and complementarity.
- Budget suitability and value for money.
- COST policies: gender balance, and geographical inclusiveness.
Scoring (example, aligned with template):
Relevance to PRAYTICIPATE aims (max 20; min 15 required), Scientific quality (20), Applicant profile (15), Host environment (15), Budget suitability (15), Relevance to COST policies (15). An overall threshold of 75 is required to be eligible for funding.
| Relevance to PRAYTICIPATE aims and objectives: demonstrates understanding of PRAYTICIPATE; shows clear relevance to the Action’s MoU objectives and to the scientific objectives/tasks of at least one Working Group | 20 |
| Scientific quality of the presentation: feasibility, originality, achievability, and potential impact | 20 |
| Scientific quality of the applicant: skills and experience; academic CV; for PhD students, supervisor’s opinion | 15 |
| Impact of proposed conference: global reach & audience; networking potential; relevance to PRAYTICIPATE themes | 15 |
| Suitability of the requested budget: realistic, well-planned, good value for money | 15 |
| Relevance to COST policies: promotes gender balance, supports Young Researchers & Innovators, and broadens geographical inclusiveness (incl. ITCs) | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
- Notification within 20 working days. Resubmission may be invited with clarifications or a revised budget.
How to Apply (via e-COST)
- Create/update your e-COST profile and upload your CV and bank details: https://e-services.cost.eu/
- Go to COST Actions → Grant Applications or directly: https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants/add and search “CA23143”.
- Click Apply for a Grant → select YRI Conference Grant → fill in:
– Title (≤128 characters), start/end dates (within mission period), budget requested, host institution/contact.
– Save draft (do not submit yet). - Under Options → Upload documents, add:
- Acceptance Letter from the organizers of the conference.
- CV (with publications, where relevant).
- For PhD students: supervisor’s letter on relevance and suitability.
- Application form (COST template) including:
- Budget plan (up to 2.500 €), e.g., Travel, Accommodation, Subsistence, Consumables/Other costs essential to your YRI Conference Grant.
- Submit in e-COST before the deadline.
For screenshots and a step-by-step guide, see the Grant Awarding User Guide in “Documents for running a COST Action.”
After Completing the YRI Conference Grant
Within 30 days of the end date, submit your Scientific Report in e-COST (template provided), detailing the work carried out, main achievements, and follow-up plans, and upload the host institution’s acceptance letter. Failure to submit the report within 30 days will cancel the grant. In addition, we kindly ask you to submit a 500 word blog post about your activity for our web side.
Questions
We’re happy to help as you prepare your application.
Contact: carolin.gluchowski@uni-hamburg.de
CC: youri.desplenter@ugent.be; a.dlabacova@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Acknowledgement
COST Action CA23143 – PRAYTICIPATE and its YRI Grants are funded by COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology. COST funds research and innovation networks that connect initiatives across Europe, helping researchers grow ideas through peer exchange—boosting research, careers, and innovation. www.cost.eu
