title: Brain extracellular matrix meets COST--matrix for European research networks.
abstract: Today's researchers are faced with a change from curiosity-driven to mandate-driven research. These two approaches are well combined within scientific networks (Actions) supported by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program. The functioning of COST Actions, although directed only to networking, has a substantial impact on European science and can be compared to the functioning of the extracellular matrix in the brain, which although scarce plays a key role in initiation, maintenance, and plasticity of intercellular interactions in the nervous system. COST networks enable interdisciplinary approach and support early-stage researchers, which is a vital asset for the advancement of science.
authors.affiliation: Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; COST Domain Committee Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences, Rapporteur of COST Action BM1001-ECMNET: Brain Extracellular Matrix in Health and Disease, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: srecko.gajovic@hiim.hr.
authors.forename: Srećko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gajović
authors.affiliation: Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pochet
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005060:Europe; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D012106:Research
keywords: curiosity-driven research; early-stage researchers; extracellular matrix; interdisciplinarity; mandate-driven research