2026 France Government MOPGA Visiting Fellowship Program (Fully Funded)
Are you an early-career researcher passionate about climate change, environmental sustainability, and making a global impact? The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for international researchers to conduct groundbreaking research in France. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this prestigious, fully funded fellowship program.
What is the MOPGA Fellowship Program?
Launched in 2018, the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) initiative continues to attract interest from the international scientific community and an ever-growing number of talented individuals wishing to contribute to research on major environmental and climate issues. The program has become a flagship initiative of France’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the global fight against climate change.
Recognized by French laboratories and research institutions, MOPGA is an emblematic postdoctoral mobility program in France and one of the flagship grant programs of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE). This ninth edition demonstrates France’s continued dedication to strengthening international scientific collaboration on critical environmental challenges.
Program Overview and Mission
In line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement, France, a major player in the fight against climate change, is launching a new edition of the MOPGA program to strengthen scientific contributions to the issues addressed at the Conferences of the Parties (COP). The fellowship promotes collaboration between international early-career researchers and leading French research institutions, creating a powerful network of scientists working towards planetary sustainability.
If you’re exploring international research opportunities, you might also be interested in checking out other scholarship opportunities available for ambitious students and researchers worldwide.
Eligible Research Areas and Themes
The MOPGA 2026 program welcomes applications across five major research areas that address critical environmental and societal challenges:
1. Earth System Sciences
This theme encompasses research into geological processes, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, and the complex interactions within Earth’s natural systems.
2. Climate Change Sciences and Sustainability Science
Research focusing on climate change sciences and sustainability science is a core pillar of the MOPGA program, addressing adaptation strategies, mitigation technologies, and sustainable development pathways.
3. Energy Transition
Projects exploring renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, carbon neutrality pathways, and innovative solutions for transitioning away from fossil fuels are highly encouraged.
4. Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues
This interdisciplinary theme welcomes research examining the social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of environmental challenges, including environmental justice, policy development, and community resilience.
5. Human, Animal, and Environmental Health (One Health Approach)
Only projects adopting an integrated “One Health” approach, taking into account the interactions between human health, animal health, and ecosystems, are eligible. Projects focusing solely on medicine or human health without genuine environmental or animal health connections are not eligible.
Innovative approaches promoting advanced technologies will be favored during the selection, so don’t hesitate to propose cutting-edge methodologies and research designs.
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Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
The MOPGA 2026 Fellowship Program has specific eligibility criteria designed to support early-career international researchers:
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements: Applicants who do NOT hold French citizenship are eligible to apply. This fellowship is specifically designed for international researchers from around the world.
Academic Qualifications: Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years must have passed their thesis defense between December 2020 and December 2025. This ensures the program targets early-career researchers who can benefit most from international mobility.
Residency Requirements: Foreign researchers who have not resided in France between September 12th, 2025 and December 12th, 2025 for more than 90 days are eligible. However, those currently in France can still apply if they meet this requirement.
Special Considerations
The call is open to researchers who obtained their PhD within the past 5 years. However, an exemption is possible in the case of maternity leave: the reference period may be extended (18 months per child or the actual duration of maternity leave, upon submission of supporting documents). This progressive policy ensures that career breaks for family reasons don’t disadvantage talented researchers.
For those considering study abroad options, understanding eligibility requirements is crucial to maximizing your chances of success.
Fellowship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
The MOPGA 2026 Fellowship offers comprehensive financial support designed to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their research without financial stress:
Financial Support Package
Each fellowship includes (exclusively): a monthly allowance of €2,500; a one-time installation grant of €500. This translates to €30,000 over the twelve-month period, plus the additional installation support.
Health Coverage and Insurance
The program provides health coverage including health insurance, civil liability, and repatriation assistance (followed by complementary health coverage once affiliation to the French social security system is completed). This comprehensive coverage ensures your wellbeing throughout your research stay.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowships are awarded for a period of 12 months, providing substantial time to conduct meaningful research and establish lasting international collaborations. The fellowship is non-renewable, emphasizing the program’s focus on launching early-career researchers into successful trajectories.
Important Note on Travel
International transport is not covered by the program. However, your host laboratory may provide support for travel expenses, so it’s worth discussing this during your application preparation.
This funding structure is competitive with other prestigious fully funded opportunities available to international students and researchers globally.
Application Requirements and Research Project
Research Project Components
Your application must include a comprehensive research proposal with the following sections:
Project Overview:
- Research Project Title
- Six keywords that capture your research focus
- Abstract (maximum 2,000 characters)
Research Design:
- Context and motivation (maximum 2,000 characters)
- Scientific objectives (maximum 2,000 characters)
- Methodology and timeline (maximum 4,500 characters)
Program Alignment:
- Positioning of the project in relation to the MOPGA initiative (maximum 2,000 characters)
- International collaboration and expected impact for your country of origin or residence (maximum 2,000 characters)
The application may be written in English or French, making it accessible to a diverse international applicant pool.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents: CV with list of publications (max. 4 pages); PhD Diploma (or completion certificate); CV of the scientific advisor at the host laboratory (max. 2 pages).
Additionally, you’ll need a letter of support from the scientific advisor, co-signed by the laboratory director or accompanied by a letter of commitment from the latter, certifying the availability of the scientific environment and resources necessary for the successful completion of the research project, as well as alignment with the laboratory’s objectives.
Finding a Host Laboratory in France
One of the most critical aspects of your MOPGA application is identifying and securing support from a French research institution:
Where to Search for Host Laboratories
Finding a host laboratory or research unit is an integral part of the application process. You can consult laboratory directories, the Campus France Research Portal, or ask your supervisors at your home institution, who may already have collaborations with French laboratories.
Preparing Your Approach
Your research project must be well-defined before contacting potential host laboratories. French research institutions value clarity, innovation, and alignment with their existing research priorities. Take time to thoroughly research potential host laboratories, understand their current projects, and articulate how your research will contribute to their objectives.
Host Laboratory Commitments
By supporting an application, host laboratories commit to providing a scientific environment suited to the project throughout the fellowship period. However, the host laboratory does not receive any funding; the fellowship amount is intended solely to cover the living expenses of the visiting researcher.
This means you’ll need to discuss research equipment, materials, and other project-related expenses directly with your potential host institution during your preliminary conversations.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Campus France SMAPPLY platform, during the official application period. Files sent by email will not be considered. This centralized system ensures fair and transparent processing of all applications.
Selection Process
In line with the ambitions and requirements of the call for applications, the selection process will take place in two phases. First, scientific experts appointed by the MESR in the relevant fields will evaluate the submitted applications. Second, a scientific selection committee will make the final decision on the laureates of the MOPGA 2026 program.
This rigorous, two-phase evaluation ensures that selected fellows represent the highest quality of early-career research talent committed to addressing environmental challenges.
Fellowship Commencement
Between September 2026 and December 2026 (at the latest): Arrival in France and start of the fellowship. This timeline allows flexibility for successful applicants to arrange their travel and transition to France.
Legal Framework and Status
This program is part of the Research Stay Scheme (séjour de recherche), created by the Research Programming Law 2021–2030 (LPR, Article 12) and enshrined in the French Research Code under Article L.434-1.
Laureates are granted the status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF). The fellowship is paid directly by Campus France. A research stay hosting agreement must be established between the host institution in France and the researcher.
This official status provides legal protections and ensures proper administrative framework for your research stay in France.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Start Early
Begin identifying potential host laboratories and developing your research proposal well in advance of the application deadline. Strong applications require time for refinement and securing institutional support.
2. Demonstrate Clear MOPGA Alignment
Explicitly articulate how your research addresses the program’s objectives and contributes to solving pressing environmental challenges. Don’t assume reviewers will automatically make these connections.
3. Emphasize Innovation
Innovative approaches promoting advanced technologies will be favored during the selection. Highlight what makes your research methodology or approach novel and potentially transformative.
4. Show International Impact
Clearly explain how your research will benefit your home country or region, demonstrating the global value of supporting your fellowship.
5. Craft a Compelling Narrative
While technical excellence matters, your application should tell a coherent story about why this research matters, why you’re the right person to conduct it, and why this particular French laboratory is the ideal setting.
6. Respect Character Limits
A maximum character count (including spaces) is specified for each section of the application form. Use this space strategically to present your strongest case without exceeding limits.
Why Apply for the MOPGA Fellowship?
World-Class Research Environment
France is home to internationally renowned research institutions, cutting-edge laboratories, and leading scientists in environmental and climate research. The MOPGA fellowship provides access to this exceptional scientific ecosystem.
Career Development
This fellowship can significantly accelerate your research career by providing international experience, expanding your professional network, and positioning you as a leader in environmental science.
Cultural Experience
Beyond research, living in France offers rich cultural experiences, opportunities to develop language skills, and immersion in a society deeply committed to environmental sustainability.
Global Impact
Contributing to MOPGA’s mission means your research directly supports international efforts to address climate change and environmental challenges at the highest policy levels, including COP conferences.
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Final Thoughts
The 2026 France Government MOPGA Visiting Fellowship Program represents an extraordinary opportunity for early-career researchers committed to environmental science and planetary sustainability. With full financial support, access to world-class research facilities, and integration into France’s vibrant scientific community, this fellowship can be a transformative experience for your research career.
The application process demands careful preparation, strategic thinking, and genuine passion for addressing environmental challenges. However, for researchers who meet the eligibility criteria and possess innovative research ideas, the MOPGA fellowship offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and meaningful scientific contribution.
Don’t miss this chance to join the international community of researchers working to make our planet great again. Start preparing your application today, identify potential host laboratories, and take the first step toward an exciting research adventure in France.
For more information and to begin your application, visit the official Campus France MOPGA program website at www.campusfrance.org/en/mopga-2026 or contact them at mopga@campusfrance.org.
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