COST is an intergovernmental framework for European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research, allowing the coordination of nationally funded research on a European level. COST Actions cover basic and pre-competitive research as well as activities of public utility.

The goal of COST is to ensure that Europe holds a strong position in the field of scientific and technical research for peaceful purposes, by increasing European cooperation and interaction in this field. COST has developed into one of the largest frameworks for research cooperation in Europe and is a valuable mechanism coordinating national research activities in Europe. Today it has almost 200 Actions and involves nearly 30,000 scientists from 32 European member countries and more than 46 participating institutions from 11 non-member countries and Non Governmental Organisations.

The aim of Networks of Excellence is to reinforce European scientific and technological excellence through a progressive and lasting integration of research capacities existing or emerging in Europe. The specific aim of the Network proposed by COST B30 members is to study the brain morphology, physiology and brain pathology in response to damage of the nervous system, and its recovery using genetic, molecular, cellular and functional procedures. The main objective of the COST B30 Action ‘Neural Regeneration and Plasticity’ is to increase knowledge of the processes of successful repair of deficits or inflicted damage to the nervous system to a level which will allow repair or significant improvement with particular emphasis on human motor, sensory and cognitive functions.