Launched in 2018, the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) initiative has met with worldwide enthusiasm, generating expressions of interest from a large number of highly qualified students and researchers.
Visiting felloship program for young researchers
France, as a major player in the fight against climate change and guarantor of the spirit of the Paris Agreement, is launching a new MOPGA visiting fellowship program geared towards strengthening scientific contributions to climate change issues raised by the COPs.
This eighth Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) call for applications is intended to welcome at least 60 early career researchers wishing to carry out their research in France. The program is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, and implemented by Campus France.
The MOPGA 2025 Visiting Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers will support researchers working on topics listed in the "Research Themes" section.
Description of the Research Project (in English or French)
- Research Project Title
- Keywords (6)
- Abstract of the Research Project (2,000 char. max.)
- Context and Motivation (2,000 char. max.)
- Scientific Objectives (2,000 char. max.)
- Methodology and Timeline (4,500 char. max.)
- Project position in relation to the MOPGA scientific domain (2,000 char. max.)
- Collaborations and/or impacts for the candidate's country of residence in relation to the research project proposal (2,000 characters max.)
Who may apply?
Individuals fitting the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Applicants who do NOT hold French citizenship
- Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years (must have passed their thesis defense between December 2020 and December 2025)
- Foreign researchers who have not resided in France between Sept. 12th, 2025 and Dec. 12th, 2025 (more than 90 days)
Research themes
Five major research areas are eligible:
- Earth system sciences
- Climate change cciences and sustainability science
- Energy transition
- Societal challenges related to environmental issues
- Human, animal, and environmental health as defined within the One Health approach*
Innovative approaches promoting advanced technologies will be favored during the selection.
*Please note: only projects adopting an integrated “One Health” approach, i.e., taking into account the interactions between human health, animal health, and ecosystems, are eligible. Projects relating solely to medicine or human health with no real environmental or animal link are not eligible.
For more information, please visit the MOPGA Research Themes page.
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.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
International researchers who defended their PhD between December 2020 and December 2025, and who have not resided in France for more than 90 days between September and December 2025.
Can I apply if I will defend my thesis after December 2025?
No. You must have defended your thesis between December 2020 and December 2025 inclusive.
I obtained my PhD more than 5 years ago. Can I still apply?
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 information must be indicated in the application file (annexed documents).
Can I apply if I already reside in France?
Yes, provided that your stay in France between September and December 2025 does not exceed 90 days.
Documents needed
- 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)
- 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
- Up to 3 letters of recommendation
- Passport or proof of ID
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants must submit their research project online at the following link: : https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2026/
Be sure to consult the FAQ down below and download the application guide
Timeline
- September 12th 2025: Application period opens
- December 12th 2025: Application period ends
- May/June 2026 : Notification of the results
- Between September 2026 and December 2026 (at the latest): Arrival in France and start of the fellowship
CONTACTS
If you have any questions ...
be sure to contact us at mopga@campusfrance.org, we will be happy to help and will do our best to answer your question promptly.
If you want to be kept up to date with the news on MOPGA calls for applications ...
... and would like to join our mailing list, send an email to infomopga@campusfrance.org with your contact information (last name, first name, email, and preferred MOPGA calls: Master/Doctorate/Post-doctorate/Early Career researchers).
