A group that backs research collaborations through conferences, exchanges and training has received €30 million (US$43 million) in extra European Commission funding. COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) now has a €240-million budget until 2013. Its 250 networks help their 30,000 researcher members across the European Union to get funding from governments and agencies, says Monica Dietl, COST office director. COST also keeps researchers in the region by fostering networking opportunities.