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 origin or residence in relation to the research project proposal (2,000 characters max.)
Who may apply? Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years No nationality restrictions (except France) 60 fellowships will be awarded for a 12-month period from September 2025
Eligibility
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 2019 and December 2024)
Foreign researchers who have not resided in France between Sept. 5th, 2024 and Dec. 5th, 2024 (more than 90 days)
Selection Process
In line with the ambitions and requirements of this call for applications, the selection process will unfold in two phases. In the first phase, scientific experts in each relevant field will evaluate the applications. In the second phase, an international committee will select the final fellows for the MOPGA 2025 program.
This fellowship includes the following benefits :
Monthly allowance of 2,500 euros
Moving allowance of 500 euros
Health Insurance plan covering civil liability and repatriation assistance until the MOPGA Fellow’s registration to the French Social Security Scheme
Complementary Health Insurance plan covering civil liability and repatriation assistance once the Social Security registration process is effective.
A Hosting Agreement (convention de séjour de recherche) will have to be established between the MOPGA Fellow and the host institution. This Agreement will specify the means and resources made available by the host laboratory so that the researcher can carry out the research project. For more information, visit the dedicated page on the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research website.
Research themes
Five broad research themes are eligible:
Earth systems
Climate change and sustainability
Energy transition
Societal challenges of environmental issues
Human, animal and ecosystem health as part as a “One Health” approach.
Innovative approaches promoting advanced technologies will be favored during the selection.
Documents needed CV including the list of your publications in English (4 pages max) PhD Diploma (or certificate of PhD diploma) CV of your research supervisor in the French host institution (2 pages max) Letter of support from the French host institution Letters of recommendation (3 max) Passport or proof of ID Please submit your files in PDF format and compress the size of your files).
Timeline September 5th, 2024: Application period opens Deadline: December 5th, 2024 May 2025: Notification of the results Between September 2025 and December 2025 (at the latest): Arrival in France and the start of the fellowship
