STSM policy adopted by the Stering Committee, 19th March 2015

• Decisions are made 4 times per budget year. Exception: for the last quarter if there is some money left decisions are made as applications are received (in 7 days)
• Up to 50% of the STSM budget can be allocated in the first quarter (on the first SC meeting): up to 70% in the first two quarters (on the second SC meeting), up to 90% in the first three quarters (on the third SC meeting), 100% up to the end of the budget year (forth SC meeting)
• If the above percents are not reached at the stated intervals, more money can be allocated to already approved STSMs (if justifiable).
• Application can be made for the next budget year during the last quarter of the previous budget year, and decisions made during the 4^th SC meeting.
• We are particularly strongly encouraging STSMs planned for April and May since this is the period when all meetings have been reimbursed and it is known exactly how much of the budget remained from the year.
• In the case of a large number of good applications that cannot all be accepted we will take care about the COST recommendation: "Necessary geographical and gender balance issues are to be taken into consideration and applications from ESR should be privileged."
• The following per diam reimbursement rates are recommended per countries.