MOPGA 2026 Fellowship in France (FullyFunded)
Looking to push climate research forward with a year in France? The MOPGA 2026 fellowship gives early-career researchers a fully funded 12-month ride with top French labs — apply now.
This is more than a stipend: it’s a chance to grow your network, access world-class facilities, and amplify work that matters for the planet.
Description — what is the MOPGA 2026 fellowship?
The MOPGA 2026 fellowship (Make Our Planet Great Again) is a French government-backed visiting research program that funds 12-month stays for early-career international researchers working on climate, environment, energy transition, One Health, and related societal challenges. The program is managed and paid by Campus France and seeks projects that clearly link to the Paris Agreement and sustainable solutions.
Degree Level
Postdoctoral / Visiting Research Fellowship — aimed at early career researchers with a PhD (as defined in the call).
Available Subjects
Applicants should propose projects in one of these theme areas:
Earth System Sciences
Climate Change and Sustainability Sciences
Energy Transition
Societal Challenges of Environmental Issues
One Health — integrated projects linking human, animal and environmental health.
Benefits — what the fellowship covers
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | €2,500 / month for 12 months. |
| Installation grant | One-time €500 relocation contribution. |
| Health & liability | Health insurance, liability coverage, and repatriation assistance provided. |
| Status | Awardees receive official French Government Fellow status (BGF). |
| Hosting | Research stay hosted by a French laboratory (hosting agreement required). |
Eligible Nationalities
Open to all nationalities except applicants who held extended residence in France during the eligibility window (see criteria below).
Eligibility Criteria — quick checklist
PhD awarded between Dec 2020 and Dec 2025 (check official call text for exact cut-offs).
Non-French nationality (international applicants).
Have not resided in France for more than 90 days between Sept–Dec 2025 (mobility rule).
Project fits MOPGA themes and is hosted by a French research unit willing to sign a hosting agreement.
Application Procedure — step by step
Where to apply: Online via the Campus France SMApply portal. Only submissions through the portal are accepted — email or postal submissions are not.
Required documents (typical):
CV (max 4 pages) with publications list.
PhD diploma or official attestation.
CV of French supervisor (max 2 pages).
Letter of support from host supervisor and lab director.
Up to 3 letters of recommendation.
Passport or national ID copy.
Full research proposal (title, keywords, objectives, methods, relevance to MOPGA).
How selection works: Two-stage review — scientific evaluation by experts, then final selection by an international committee.
Important Dates (official timeline)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call opens | 12 September 2025. |
| Application deadline | 12 December 2025. |
| Results announced | May–June 2026 (notification by email). |
| Fellowship start window | Arrival/start between Sept–Dec 2026. |
How to make your application strong
Align tightly with MOPGA themes. Make the climate/environment link explicit.
Show impact and feasibility. Clear objectives, realistic methods, and a timeline.
Get a committed host. Letters of support that explain supervision and facilities are vital.
Polish the proposal for clarity. Reviewers look for crisp writing and a clear scientific question.
Final thoughts
The MOPGA 2026 fellowship is a significant opportunity if your research addresses climate, energy transition, or One Health in ways that can scale or influence policy and practice. It pairs funding with official French government support and access to strong research environments. If your project aligns and you can secure a French host, this is a high-value route to accelerate your research and international collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What language should the application be in?
A: Follow the instructions on the SMApply portal and call text. Many French programs accept English proposals but check the official call.
Q: Will the hosting lab receive funds?
A: The fellowship covers the researcher’s living costs; host labs typically do not receive direct funding from MOPGA. Confirm details with your host.
Q: Who to contact for questions?
A: The MOPGA team via the portal or mopga@campusfrance.org (contact details are on the application site).
