MOPGA 2027 Visiting Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers

The MOPGA 2027 Visiting Fellowship Program is inviting applications from early career international researchers who are working on major environmental and climate challenges. The programme, known as Make Our Planet Great Again, provides an opportunity for talented researchers to conduct a 12 month research project at a French research institution while developing international scientific collaborations.

The fellowship is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in partnership with the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space and implemented by Campus France. The programme is part of France’s continued commitment to the Paris Agreement and aims to strengthen scientific contributions to climate change and environmental challenges addressed through the international climate agenda.

Selected researchers will carry out their projects in France in collaboration with a host laboratory. The programme welcomes researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines, including environmental sciences, engineering, economics, humanities, social sciences, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and other fields, provided that their proposed research fits within the eligible MOPGA themes.

About the Fellowship

The MOPGA programme supports international researchers whose work addresses pressing environmental, climate and sustainability challenges. Fellows join French research institutions and conduct a clearly defined research project under the guidance of a scientific supervisor.

The programme places particular emphasis on innovative approaches involving advanced technologies and research that can contribute to international efforts to address climate and environmental challenges.

Applicants are responsible for identifying an appropriate French host laboratory as part of the application process. The host laboratory must provide a suitable scientific environment and the resources necessary for the successful completion of the proposed research.

The programme is open to researchers from both scientific and social science backgrounds. Humanities and social sciences projects may also be eligible when they clearly address one of the programme’s research themes.

Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly allowance of €2,500 for 12 months

• €500 settling in allowance

• Health insurance coverage

• Civil liability insurance

• Repatriation assistance

• Supplementary health insurance after registration with the French social security system

• Opportunity to conduct research at a French host institution

• International scientific collaboration opportunities

• Access to a French research environment

• French Government Scholarship holder status

• Support with visa related procedures from the programme and host institution

Research Themes

Applicants may propose research projects in one of five broad areas:

• Earth system sciences

• Climate change and sustainability sciences

• Energy transition

• Societal challenges related to environmental issues

• Human, animal and environmental health under the One Health approach

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a doctoral degree awarded less than five years before the application deadline

• Have defended the PhD thesis between December 2021 and December 2026 inclusive

• Be a foreign national

• Not hold French nationality

• Apply for international research mobility to France

• Not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application

• Not have previously received a MOPGA fellowship

• Propose a research project that fits within the eligible MOPGA research themes

• Have an appropriate French host laboratory and scientific supervisor

• Be able to undertake the proposed 12 month research stay in France

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae including publication list, maximum four pages

• Doctoral degree certificate or official proof of doctoral degree

• Curriculum vitae of the scientific supervisor at the French host laboratory, maximum two pages

• Letter of support from the scientific supervisor

• Co signed support from the laboratory director or a separate laboratory commitment letter

• One to three letters of recommendation

• Passport or national identity document

• Research project title

• Six research keywords

• Research project summary, maximum 2,000 characters

• Background and motivation, maximum 2,000 characters

• Scientific objectives, maximum 2,000 characters

• Methodology and timeline, maximum 4,500 characters

• Explanation of the project’s relevance to the MOPGA initiative, maximum 2,000 characters

• Explanation of international collaboration and expected impact for the applicant’s country of residence or origin, maximum 2,000 characters.

Important Fellowship Conditions

The fellowship lasts for 12 months and is not renewable. The allowance is paid directly by Campus France.

The fellowship cannot be combined with a French employment contract, including a research or postdoctoral contract, or with another individual funding award from a French government entity.

Host laboratories do not receive separate programme funding. Their role is to provide the scientific environment and resources necessary for the fellow to complete the proposed research project.

Successful applicants will be granted French Government Scholarship holder status and must sign a research stay agreement with their French host institution.

How to Apply

1. Review the official MOPGA 2027 call and confirm that your doctoral qualification and nationality meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Identify a suitable French research laboratory and scientific supervisor whose research expertise matches your proposed project.
3. Develop a research project addressing one of the five eligible MOPGA themes.
4. Prepare the research project sections according to the required character limits.
5. Obtain the required support and recommendation letters from your supervisor, host laboratory and referees.
6. Prepare your CV, doctoral certificate and identification document.
7. Submit the application through the official Campus France online application platform.
8. Complete the submission before December 15, 2026 at 23:59 CET.