Bosnia and Herzegovina Records Progress in the COST Programme: €360,000 for Domestic Researchers

Over the past four years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has recorded an upward trend in participation in the COST programme (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), both in terms of increased financial support drawn from the programme and growing international recognition of local experts.

Since 2021, funds drawn from the COST programme have more than tripled—from around €99,000 in 2021 to nearly €360,000 in 2024. Already in 2022, the amount reached €260,000, while in 2023 it exceeded €350,000, demonstrating steady growth and increasing participation of domestic researchers in international scientific networks.

Even greater progress has been made in leadership within COST Actions. While Bosnia and Herzegovina had seven leadership positions in 2021, that number rose to 17 in 2024, marking the highest result since the country joined the programme. Among the 70 new Actions approved for 2025, for the first time, the main proposers of approved Actions come from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Prof. Dr. Erna Karalija from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Sarajevo, and Dr. Adna Ašić from the Verlab Scientific Research Institute.

"The success of our researchers within the COST programme clearly shows that scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina are increasingly integrating into European research flows. The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support the international visibility and networking of our scientific community," said Minister Dubravka Bošnjak. She emphasized that the Ministry of Civil Affairs supports scientific activities, among other ways, through grant funding for co-financing projects in science and innovation.

Established in 1971, the COST programme enables researchers across Europe to form thematic networks and collaborate on challenges of mutual interest. The programme does not fund research directly but provides support through the organization of expert events, scientific exchanges, training, and workshops. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a full member of the COST programme since 2009, allowing domestic experts to participate equally and lead COST Actions.