The French Government’s Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious initiative invites early career researchers from around the world to conduct cutting-edge research in France addressing global environmental and climate challenges.

Launched in 2018, the MOPGA program was created as part of France’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and remains one of the country’s flagship initiatives to promote international collaboration in sustainability research. The program 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.

Advancing Global Climate and Environmental Research

The MOPGA Fellowship provides early career scientists an opportunity to contribute to critical research in environmental science, sustainability, and climate resilience. It aims to strengthen the scientific response to the global issues discussed at the United Nations Climate Conferences (COP) while fostering collaboration between international researchers and French research institutions.

As a highly competitive and internationally recognized mobility program, MOPGA welcomes talented postdoctoral researchers whose work supports innovative solutions to planetary challenges. Fellows join top French laboratories and research centers, contributing to France’s leadership in advancing environmental science, technology, and policy.

Research Themes

Applications are invited for projects that align with one of the following five major research areas:

1. Earth System Sciences – addressing planetary processes, ecosystems, and climate dynamics.

2. Climate Change and Sustainability Science – developing adaptive, evidence-based responses to global warming.

3. Energy Transition – advancing clean, renewable, and sustainable energy systems.

4. Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues – exploring social, economic, and cultural dimensions of sustainability.

5. Human, Animal, and Environmental Health (One Health Approach) – promoting integrated health research that connects people, animals, and ecosystems.

Innovative proposals leveraging advanced technologies or interdisciplinary methodologies are strongly encouraged. Projects focusing solely on human or medical health without environmental or animal components are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be non-French citizens.

• Hold a doctoral degree obtained within the past 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.

The fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities working in relevant fields such as earth sciences, climate studies, energy, environmental health, and social sciences.

Fellowship Terms and Benefits

The MOPGA 2026 Fellowship is a 12-month research stay in France, offering comprehensive financial and institutional support. Each selected researcher will receive:

• A monthly allowance of €2,500.

• A one-time installation grant of €500.

• Health, liability, and repatriation insurance coverage, followed by additional social security benefits.

Fellows are hosted by French research institutions, which provide the scientific environment and facilities needed for successful project completion. While the fellowship covers the researcher’s expenses, host laboratories are responsible for offering academic supervision and institutional support.

The program forms part of France’s Research Stay Scheme, established under the Research Programming Law (2021–2030), granting fellows the official status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF).

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online via Campus France’s application portal.

Timeline:

• Application Opens: September 12, 2025

• Deadline: December 12, 2025

• Results Announced: May–June 2026

• Start of Fellowship: Between September and December 2026

The selection process involves two stages:

1. Scientific evaluation by field experts appointed by the MESR.

2. Final selection by an interdisciplinary committee that identifies laureates based on scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact.

Each application must include a research proposal, CV, PhD diploma, letters of recommendation, and a letter of support from a host laboratory in France. Proposals may be written in English or French.

Strengthening International Collaboration

By hosting a diverse community of researchers, the MOPGA Fellowship strengthens scientific diplomacy and fosters international cooperation in addressing planetary challenges. Participants not only advance their academic careers but also become part of a global network of innovators working toward a sustainable future.

This ninth call for applications reaffirms France’s leadership in supporting research that unites science, sustainability, and solidarity to help make our planet great again.

For full eligibility details, required documents, and application guidelines, visit the official Campus France MOPGA 2026 page.

Stay HERE for more opportunities.