Thematic session within the XI Workshop-Summer School 2026: Partial differential equations, optimal design and numerics

Posting date: 19 May 2026

The Action organizes a 2-day thematic session within the XI Workshop-Summer School 2026: Partial differential equations, optimal design and numerics, to be held in Benasque, Spain. The session will take place on Aug 31^st and Sept 1^st (Monday and Tuesday of the second week of the workshop).

The session will focus on the interactions of Mathematics (in particular Optimization and Control Theory) with Data Science and Machine Learning.

A limited number of financial support grants will be available for participants that want to present their results on this special session. The grants cover travel expenses and daily allowances (150 € per day) in accordance to COST rules and policies. In particular, 100% of the daily allowance is granted for each attended day of the session, and for the travel day to the event. 40% of the daily allowance is granted for the day of departure from the event.

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be based in one of the eligible COST countries.
• Applicants must present at the session novel results exploring and combining mathematical and machine learning tools.

How to apply?

Call deadline: 01.06.2026

1. The applications should be submitted via email to Prof. James Kennedy.
   Acknowledgement of receipt of applications will be sent within two working days.
2. The required supporting documents are:
   • Abstract.
     Abstract length: The main text should be 1-2 A4 pages, excluding the list of references. All submissions must be in PDF format.
   • A full CV (with publication list if applicable).
     If applicable, the CV should also incorporate contributions of the applicant to the Action (member of Action bodies, organization/participation in Action events etc).
   • A brief document estimating travel expenses.
3. The InterCoML Grant Evaluation Committee evaluates the proposal following the selection criteria described below.
4. The review period will last up to a week from the call deadline (till 08.06.2026), during which all applications will be examined.
5. If approved, the Grant Awarding Coordinator forwards the application to the Grant Holder and Action Chair for final verification. Applicants will be notified of the outcome within few days after this final verification step, and successful applicants will receive the Grant Letter immediately thereafter.
6. The Grant Holder sends the applicant a grant letter.

Criteria for successful application

Applications will be evaluated according to COST’s principles of excellence, fairness, inclusiveness, and balanced participation. The following criteria will be applied in particular:

1. Quality and clarity of the abstract, and its alignment with the session focus.
2. Institutional and geographical balance, including attention to ITC involvement.
3. Previous and current contributions of the applicant to the Action.
4. Expected outputs, including dissemination and publication potential.