Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) 2026 Research Fellowship in France | Fully Funded

Scholarships for International

The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) program was launched in 2018, and since then it has continued to attract the attention of the international scientific community. It offers outstanding researchers the opportunity to contribute to studies addressing major environmental and climate issues. The program is recognized as one of the leading postdoctoral mobility schemes in France, endorsed by French laboratories and research institutions.

The 2026 edition is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), and implemented by Campus France. It aims to enhance international scientific collaboration and support research projects relevant to the issues discussed at the UN Climate Change Conferences of the Parties (COP).

Fellowship Details

Duration: 12 months (non-renewable).

Financial Benefits:

A monthly allowance of €2,500.
A one-time installation grant of €500.
Health coverage: health insurance, civil liability insurance, and repatriation assistance, followed by complementary health coverage once registered in the French social security system.
Fellows are granted the status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF).
Host laboratories do not receive direct funding but must commit to providing the necessary scientific environment for the success of the project.
Note: International travel expenses to France are not covered, though host laboratories may provide support.

Research Areas

The program targets five main areas:

Earth system sciences.
Climate change sciences and sustainability.
Energy transition.
Societal challenges related to environmental issues.
Human, animal, and environmental health under the integrated One Health approach, requiring projects to consider the interconnections between human health, animal health, and ecosystems.

Note: Projects focusing solely on medicine or human health without a clear link to environmental or animal aspects are not eligible.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to non-French researchers who:

Hold a PhD awarded within the last five years (between December 2020 and December 2025).
Have not resided in France for more than 90 days between September 12 and December 12, 2025.
Hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed a PhD (students are not eligible).

In cases of maternity leave, the eligibility period may be extended by 18 months per child or the actual duration of the leave.

Selection Process

The selection will take place in two stages:

Scientific evaluation of applications by experts appointed by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Final decision by a scientific selection committee.

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Research Project Requirements

Applications must include:

Project title.
Six keywords.
Abstract (max. 2,000 characters).
Context and motivation (max. 2,000 characters).
Scientific objectives (max. 2,000 characters).
Methodology and timeline (max. 4,500 characters).
Positioning of the project in relation to the MOPGA initiative (max. 2,000 characters).
International collaboration and/or expected impact for the applicant’s country of origin (max. 2,000 characters).

Projects may be written in English or French.

Required Documents

Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages) including a list of publications.
PhD diploma or completion certificate.
CV of the scientific advisor at the host laboratory (max. 2 pages).
Letter of support from the scientific advisor, also signed by the laboratory director, confirming the availability of resources and commitment to the project.
Up to three recommendation letters.
Copy of passport or proof of identity.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the Campus France platform.

Applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Application Timeline

September 12, 2025: Applications open.
December 12, 2025: Application deadline.
May/June 2026: Results announced.
Between September and December 2026: Start of the fellowship in France.

Important Notes

There are no MOPGA fellowships for Master’s or PhD students.
All disciplines are eligible, provided they are connected to the five research themes.
Applicants must independently identify and contact a host laboratory before applying.
Laboratory expenses are not covered; the fellowship supports the researcher only.