COST is an EU-funded programme that enables researchers to set up their interdisciplinary research networks in Europe and beyond, called COST Actions. We provide funds for organising conferences, meetings, training schools, short scientific exchanges or other networking activities in a wide range of scientific topics. By creating open spaces where people and ideas can grow, we unlock the full potential of science. www.cost.eu www.cost.eu/what-do-we-fund COST Actions bring together researchers and innovators to investigate a topic of their choice for 4 years. Participants are usually researchers from academia, SMEs, public institutions and other relevant organisations or interested parties. Open to all science and technology fields, including new and emerging fields, COST Actions offer an inclusive, pan-European environment for individuals of all levels of seniority to grow their professional research networks and boost their careers, paving the way to new synergies with EU-funded research projects, and enhancing the networking potential of new consortia. www.cost.eu/cost-actions/what-are-cost-actions www.cost.eu/cost-actions-event/browse-actions At this session seven COST Action representatives will share their experience of being part of a COST Action. In particular, they will explore how COST Actions help advance knowledge and strengthen the research in their respective scientific fields, and many advantages which membership of their Action has afforded them.