STSMs

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STSMs

Open Calls

Open call | STSMs

The short-term scientific mission grants aim to support capacity building and transfer of knowledge through bilateral/multilateral collaborations.

STSMs

Short-term scientific missions (STSMs).

List of completed STSMs missions

During the STSM, a sequence of focused meetings at Tilburg University achieved the core objectives of the visit: we aligned concepts across applied economics and work/organizational psychology; agreed on a shared vocabulary for key psychological capabilities (digital self-efficacy, comfort with uncertainty, future time perspective); and mapped these to policy-relevant outcomes (claiming behavior, retirement timing, working-while claiming, and program substitution). We reviewed brief, validated measures suitable for older workers and narrowed the initial list to ultra short scales to minimize burden. Using Sweden as the initial context, we took stock of feasible outcomes and institutional features and drafted a high-level analytic plan (pre specified primary outcomes, event time contrasts around eligibility thresholds, and robustness by cohort/sector). Although the STSM was limited to meetings (no data collection or piloting), it produced tangible planning outputs: a concept note, a measurement shortlist with citations, an initial data-source inventory, role assignments, and a draft timeline. These deliverables directly support the Action’s objectives by operationalizing an interdisciplinary framework that can be implemented and comparedacross countries. Looking ahead, we agreed to start substantive project work at the end of December (instrument finalization, ethics materials, and pre-analysis plan) and to submit a grant application to secure access to Dutch data and modest collaboration funds (for survey fielding/linkage and short research visits). As part of the follow up, we will invite additional researchers (a psychometrics specialist and an institutional pensions expert) to strengthen measurement and external validity; set up a monthly virtual check-in; and aim for a pilot/feasibility memo shortly after data access is confirmed. Expected outputs include a pre registered study and, subsequently, a working paper and conference presentation. In sum, the STSM met its planning goals, created a shared and practical roadmap, and established concrete next steps and resourcing to move from concept to execution.

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The STSM achieved its planned objectives of developing a coherent and empirically grounded experimental design to investigate how age-diverse workplace friendships can promote cognitive and affective liberalization. The stay substantially advanced the methodological readiness of the project and deepened cross-national collaboration within the COST Action CA22120 LeverAge. The main achievements include:1. Design and preparation of an experimental study on imagined age-diverse workplace friendship, including all materials, manipulations, and measures ready for implementation.2. Integration of cross-sectional evidence on workplace cognitive liberalization to inform the experimental operationalization.3. Advancement of a conceptual framework connecting intergenerational contact, semantic distance, and egalitarian mindsets.4. Preparation and submission of a conceptual paper, “No Matter the Distance? A Taxonomy and Theoretical Framework of Age Diverse Friendship,” to Work, Aging and Retirement, summarizing the theoretical foundations developed during the STSM. The STSM contributed to the COST Action’s goals by building methodological capacity in experimental approaches to intergenerational research and strengthening collaborations among network members in Italy, Germany, and the UK. The visit also provided an important interface between theory development and future empirical testing within the LeverAge Working Groups (WG3: Integration of age-diverse workers and knowledge transfer). Planned follow-up activities include (a) conducting the pilot and main experiment once the cross sectional analyses are complete; (b) extending the design into a longitudinal format to examine changes in egalitarian mindsets over time; (c) presenting results and methods at upcoming COST Action meetings and conferences; and (d) pursuing joint publications and research funding proposals. The collaboration established during the STSM continues through regular online meetings and plans for joint data collection in 2026.

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The STSM successfully achieved its planned objectives by establishing a strong and productive collaboration that integrates generational sensitivity literature with conflict management research. Through our meetings with Kyriaki Fousiani, PhD, and other university staff, we were able to thoroughly discuss how generational sensitivity may shape conflicts among employees. A significant achievement during the STSM was finalizing a manuscript on competitive organizational climate and knowledge transfer, and the development of a concrete and actionable research plan based on analyzing existing quantitative datasets. By prioritizing these resources, we aim to test relevant theoretical models and to make efficient use of available data. The STSM also enabled us to identify a shared research interest in the roles that intergenerational sensitivity and positive image of age play in workplace conflicts, and we confirmed that both partners have access to complementary datasets containing relevant variables. We have started synthesizing preliminary findings from these datasets to decide on the design of follow-up studies (including experimental designs). Planned follow-up activities include rigorously exploring our existing datasets, with the goal of producing one or more joint peer reviewed publications that contribute to the literature in this area. Additionally, I intend to submit my work on development and cross cultural validation of intergenerational sensitivity scale to the International Conference “Knowledge, digitalization and future” organized by South-West University “Neofit Rilski” in Bulgaria on 23-24 October 2025 in order to further disseminate our findings. We aim to explore the possibility of incorporating qualitative research methods to enrich our findings. We will also sustain this collaboration through further joint research projects and active participation in COST Action networking events, ensuring ongoing contribution to the Action’s broader objectives.

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The STSM visit to the University of Groningen was aligned with the planned goals and contributed meaningfully to the overarching objectives of COST Action CA22120 – LeverAge. For example, I was able to extend my knowledge of new methods, particularly AI-based text analysis, contributing to the objective of developing competence in new methods to explore the overarching topic of aging workforce. Additionally, I actively collaborated and worked on a scoping review that aligns with the ‘joint research contribution’ objective of the Action. This also helped sharpen my skills while allowing me to learn and contribute meaningfully. The University of Groningen fostered a positive atmosphere that enabled me to engage with other PhD students, which inevitably expanded my network of experts who are dedicated to the topic of the aging workforce. Agreed Plans for Future Collaboration:

Continued methodological consultation and supervision with my second supervisor throughout my doctoral journey at the University of Groningen and ISM University of Management and Economics.
Collaboration and co-authorship on the scoping review project, with plans for journal submission to the Journal of Business Psychology.
Potential joint data collection initiatives for future projects involving cross-institutional collaboration.
Continued participation in future LeverAge workshops and Working Group activities focused on aging and technology, and successful aging at work.

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The goal of this STSM was to establish a collaborative research partnership between the grantee and Professor Stanislava Stoyanova at South-West University “Neofit Rilski,” Bulgaria. The focus was on exploring how intergenerational sensitivity, particularly youngism and ageism, affects workplace conflict and knowledge transfer. Through intensive discussions and literature review, the team identified theoretical gaps and designed a joint research plan. The mission laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration aligned with the COST Action’s objectives on promoting inclusive, age-diverse work environments.

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During this STSM, the grantee advanced the LeverAge project “Age and Well-Being under War Stress”. Activities included longitudinal data analysis using the MSCA4Ukraine dataset to explore dual-change score models for vitality and burnout. Initiating two new research projects: (1) a qualitative study on late-career reinvention among Ukrainian IT professionals aged 40+, and (2) the design of a mixed-methods tool to track occupational speed-of-change.

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The goal of this STSM was to develop a theoretical model explaining how age-related stereotypes and organizational factors jointly influence performance appraisal outcomes for older workers. Through intensive collaboration, the grantee and host identified two core theoretical frameworks, integrated them, and specified key systemic moderators such as age diversity climate and rater accountability. This work sets the foundation for a publishable manuscript and contributes directly to COST Action CA22120 by advancing understanding of age-related bias in organizational evaluation processes.

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The goal of the STSM was to support the aims of the COST Action LeverAge by advancing international collaboration on digital transitions in age-diverse workplaces. In cooperation with Prof. Pfrombeck from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the research focused on digital competence, intergenerational learning, and their impact on inclusion and productivity. The collaboration led to progress in aligning concepts, analyzing datasets, and refining the joint research design. A roadmap for finalizing and submitting the manuscript has been established, strengthening long-term research ties within the LeverAge network.

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The scientific mission fostered valuable collaborations on aging-in-place and long-term care through meetings organized by Vilnius University. Key outcomes included plans to build a Baltic network for social work gerontology research, collaboration with the SHARE database, and joining efforts on the upcoming COST Action focused on healthy housing for older adults. This collaboration enhances regional research efforts and supports the development of aging knowledge across Baltic countries.

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This STSM highlighted significant gaps in career-related psychometric measures for the aging workforce, as much of the current research remains focused on psychiatric assessments. Helpful psychometric tools relevant to aging well, such as the Subjective Age Identity Scale and the Active Aging Scale, were identified as promising but underrepresented in workplace settings. Future work should explore these tools further, while expanding on ethical implications and technological applications, to develop a comprehensive framework for active aging in career contexts.

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The STSM successfully met its objectives, providing valuable insights into subjective age and retirement planning by validating a new measure across Italian and Spanish samples and testing its psychometric properties. This work has enriched their understanding of how subjective age influences retirement expectations, preparation, and related anxieties, contributing to LeverAge’s mission on multilevel retirement and career outcomes. Furthermore, this collaboration strengthened ties among COST WG5 members and laid the groundwork for an upcoming empirical article and a proposed symposium presentation at EAWOP 2025, furthering the initiative’s academic and practical impact.

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The STSM successfully advanced our research model by refining key measures; including adopting the Bruning et al. (2018) measure for Job Crafting and re-positioning Future Time Perspective as an independent variable with Age as a moderator. Additionally, they integrated a new measure of AI use in the workplace, informed by a focus group and interviews, with content validation planned for the next phase. With commitments from two Italian public organizations to begin data collection by December 2024, this project is well positioned for continued progress and impactful findings.

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The STSM at Tilburg University was highly productive, allowing Khoshghadam to strengthen his research through valuable feedback from the Human Resource Department and establish connections with experts in his field. Engaging with Professor Arthur van Soest provided fresh insights into retirement economics, broadening his research perspective and paving the way for potential collaborations. This experience has enhanced the academic impact of his work and expanded his professional network in meaningful ways.

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The STSM successfully advanced research on age diversity in academia by narrowing its focus to explore how higher education can support skill development and lifelong learning for older adults. Collaborative work with Professor Michael North’s team at NYU enabled a transdisciplinary approach that generated innovative ideas on inclusive classroom dynamics, multigenerational enrollment models, and career support for aging societies. The outcomes directly support the LeverAge COST Action goals, positioning the research for further impact through continued collaboration, publications, and potential policy influence.

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The STSM effectively met its goals and provided valuable theoretical insights that will guide future data collection and a theoretical manuscript on age-diverse friendships in the workplace. The preliminary data analysis confirmed the reliability of measured constructs and the expected relationships, setting a foundation for further model testing. Additionally, discussions on Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Dyadic Designs enriched our approach to examining age-diverse friendships and laid the groundwork for methodological advances in upcoming studies, including a theoretical development paper scheduled for early 2025.

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The recent STSM was highly productive, strengthening international coordination and advancing their project’s objectives. Hila Axelrad, Slavka Silberg and additional collaborators, they successfully analyzed the current dataset, which includes 1,650 observations, and laid the groundwork for three joint research publications on organizational climate, knowledge sharing, and job satisfaction across age groups. These efforts, combined with new partnerships and plans for future symposia and publications, set a promising path toward deepening insights into the motivational dynamics and cross-cultural factors affecting aging workers in diverse organizational contexts.

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The STSM at the University of Groningen yielded valuable insights into the complex interplay between age, technology, and work dynamics, particularly within the IT sector. Despite some logistical challenges, the mission’s adaptability led to enriched research methods, enhancing the study’s depth and relevance. The strong collaborative foundation established here sets the stage for impactful future projects that will advance both academic and practical understanding of aging within the workforce.

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The aim of the STSM was to develop a conceptual model that explores the intersection of aging and remote work, focusing on factors like work design, perceived worker-job match, and outcomes for remote workers. Additionally, they outlined a data collection plan to validate this model, contributing to COST Action CA22120’s objectives of advancing knowledge on work and aging and promoting age-inclusive organizational strategies.

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