Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)
in BIO4PAK
We are pleased to announce that the BIO4PAK project offers the opportunity to participate in Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs).
STSMs are temporary research visits designed to strengthen scientific collaboration within the BIO4PAK consortium and across the EIC Pathfinder Challenge Portfolio focused on Nature-inspired alternatives for food packaging and films for agriculture. They support researcher mobility, interdisciplinary cooperation, and knowledge exchange between partner institutions.
As a general rule, STSM costs are covered by the sending institution. STSMs hosted by the University of Lodz may be financed up to EUR 1,500 per mission, in accordance with the University’s internal financial regulations.
The STSM grant constitutes a financial contribution toward eligible costs (e.g. travel, accommodation, subsistence, and research-related expenses) and does not constitute a salary. Grantees are responsible for arranging their travel, insurance, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
STSM participants are required to submit a short scientific report within 14 days of completing the mission and to contribute to BIO4PAK communication and dissemination activities, such as social media posts, short videos, or interviews. All dissemination activities must properly acknowledge BIO4PAK and EU funding.
What are STSMs?
STSMs are short research stays (minimum 5 working days) carried out at:
• a BIO4PAK partner institution,
• an institution represented on the BIO4PAK Advisory Board,
• or a partner institution from a related EIC Pathfinder Portfolio project.
Each mission must directly contribute to the scientific and strategic objectives of the BIO4PAK project.
Who can apply?
STSMs are open to:
• early-career and senior researchers,
• PhD candidates,
• Master’s students,
• administrative and technical staff
affiliated with BIO4PAK consortium members, Advisory Board institutions, or Portfolio Challenge partners.
The scheme promotes equal opportunities, inclusiveness, and non-discrimination in line with Horizon Europe principles. Priority is given to young researchers (under 35) and applicants who have not previously received STSM funding.
Why does it matter?
STSMs offer significant benefits at multiple levels.
For the Grantee:
• acquisition of new scientific, technical, or methodological competences,
• access to specialised equipment, data, infrastructure, or expertise,
• validation and discussion of research results with host experts,
• professional development and network building.
For Host Institutions:
• strengthening or initiating long-term scientific collaborations,
• exchange of complementary expertise,
• increased institutional visibility within the BIO4PAK network.
For the BIO4PAK Project and Portfolio:
• enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration,
• knowledge transfer and capacity building,
• alignment of methodologies and research practices across projects,
• acceleration of innovation and impact.
How to apply?
Candidates should follow their home institution’s internal selection procedure.
Selected applicants must submit:
• a signed STSM application form
• a CV
to the STSM Coordinator at:
bio4pak@biol.uni.lodz.pl
The full STSM Regulations are available at:
www.bio4pak.eu/stsms
STSMs regulations 
STSMs aplication
STSMs reporting
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