MOPGA 2026 Program: Research Fellowship in France on Climate & Environment

The MOPGA (Make Our Planet Great Again) program stands as one of France’s most prestigious research grant initiatives, launched in 2018 to attract international scientific talent to contribute to research addressing major environmental and climate challenges. The program enjoys widespread recognition from French laboratories and research institutions and represents a flagship initiative of France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

As part of France’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, the program is launching its ninth edition for 2026, aiming to strengthen scientific contributions to issues addressed at the Conference of the Parties (COP) climate summits.

Eligible Research Fields

The MOPGA 2026 program welcomes research projects in five main areas:

1. Earth System Sciences

Encompasses studies related to geophysical and geological processes that affect planet Earth and its complex interactions.

2. Climate Change and Sustainability Sciences

Focuses on understanding climate change and developing sustainable solutions to adapt to its effects.

3. Energy Transition

Explores renewable and clean energy technologies and pathways for transitioning from conventional to alternative energy sources.

4. Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues

Examines the social and economic impacts of environmental changes and approaches to addressing them.

5. Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

Following the “One Health” approach that considers the interactions between human health, animal health, and ecosystems.

Important Note: The program favors projects that employ innovative approaches and advanced technologies. Purely medical projects without a genuine environmental or animal dimension are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the MOPGA 2026 program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must not hold French citizenship
• Academic Qualification: Must have obtained a PhD within the last 5 years (thesis defense must be between December 2020 and December 2025)
• Residency: Must not have resided in France for more than 90 days during the period from September 12 to December 12, 2025

Special Cases

The reference period for PhD holders may be extended in cases of maternity leave at a rate of 18 months per child or the actual duration of the leave, with supporting documentation.

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

The fellowship is granted for a 12-month period and includes exclusively the following benefits:

• Monthly Stipend: €2,500
• One-time Settlement Allowance: €500
• Health Coverage: Health insurance, civil liability, and repatriation assistance, plus supplementary health coverage after joining the French social security system

This program is part of the research residency system established under the 2021-2030 Research Programming Law, and recipients receive the status of French Government Scholarship holders. The grant is paid directly by Campus France.

Important: Host laboratories do not receive any funding from the program, as the entire grant amount is allocated to cover the visiting researcher’s living expenses.

Required Research Project

The application must include the following elements:

1. Research Project Title
2. Keywords: 6 words
3. Project Summary: Maximum 2,000 characters
4. Context and Rationale: Maximum 2,000 characters
5. Scientific Objectives: Maximum 2,000 characters
6. Methodology and Timeline: Maximum 4,500 characters
7. Project’s Relation to MOPGA Initiative: Maximum 2,000 characters
8. International Collaboration or Expected Impact: Maximum 2,000 characters

Applications may be written in English or French.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae with list of publications (maximum 4 pages)
• PhD certificate or completion certificate
• Curriculum vitae of the scientific supervisor at the host laboratory (maximum 2 pages)
• Support letter from the scientific supervisor co-signed by the laboratory director
• Up to 3 letters of recommendation
• Passport or proof of identity

How to Apply

Research projects must be submitted exclusively online through the Campus France platform at the following link: https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2026/

Program Timeline

• September 12, 2025: Application opens
• December 12, 2025: Application deadline
• May/June 2026: Results announcement
• September – December 2026: Arrival in France and fellowship commencement

Selection Process

The selection process takes place in two stages:

1. First Stage: Applications are evaluated by scientific experts appointed by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in relevant fields
2. Second Stage: Final decision made by a scientific selection committee to determine MOPGA 2026 recipients

Finding a Host Laboratory

Identifying a host laboratory or research unit is an essential part of the application process. You can:

• Consult directories of French laboratories
• Use the Campus France Research Portal
• Reach out to supervisors at your home institution who may have collaborations with French laboratories

Important: You must define your research project before contacting the laboratory.

Eligible Disciplines

All disciplines are eligible, including humanities and social sciences, provided they align with MOPGA research themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The MOPGA 2026 program represents an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers who wish to contribute to addressing global environmental and climate challenges through outstanding scientific research in France. With generous funding and strong institutional support, the program opens promising avenues for international collaboration and research capacity development.

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Don’t miss this opportunity—submit your application before December 12, 2025!