MOPGA 2027 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – France

Title

MOPGA 2027: Research Stay Scholarships for Young International Researchers in France

Summary

The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) 2027 program offers 12-month research stay scholarships in France to talented international early-career researchers working on major environmental, climate, energy, sustainability, and One Health challenges.

Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space (MESRE), the program will support young researchers undertaking a research project in collaboration with a French research institution.

Each selected researcher will receive a €2,500 monthly allowance, a €500 installation allowance, and health-related insurance coverage.

Summary Table

Designation

MOPGA 2027 Young International Researcher / Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Research Areas

Projects must address at least one of the following five major MOPGA research themes:

1. Earth System Sciences
2. Climate Change Sciences and Sustainability Science
3. Energy Transition
4. Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues
5. Human, Animal and Environmental Health – One Health

Innovative approaches involving advanced and high technologies are particularly encouraged.

For One Health projects, the research must adopt an integrated approach connecting human health, animal health and ecosystems. Projects focused exclusively on human medicine or human health without a genuine environmental or animal-health component are not eligible.

Location

France

Successful applicants will conduct their research at an eligible French research institution or laboratory.

Applicants are responsible for identifying and securing a suitable French host laboratory before submitting their application.

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD obtained less than five years before the application deadline.
• Have defended their doctoral thesis between December 2021 and December 2026, inclusive.
• Be of foreign nationality; French nationals are not eligible.
• Apply for an international research mobility to France.
• Not reside or work professionally in France at the time of application.
• Have not previously received a MOPGA scholarship.
• Have a research project aligned with one of the eligible MOPGA themes.
• Secure a suitable French host research laboratory/institution.

PhD candidates who defend their thesis after December 2026 are not eligible.

An exception to the five-year PhD rule may be available in cases of maternity leave, with the eligibility period extended according to the applicable rules and supporting documentation.

Job / Research Description

Selected researchers will undertake an independent research project at a French research institution for 12 months.

The research proposal should include:

• Project title
• Six keywords
• Research project summary — maximum 2,000 characters
• Background and motivation — maximum 2,000 characters
• Scientific objectives — maximum 2,000 characters
• Methodology and timeline — maximum 4,500 characters
• Alignment of the project with the MOPGA initiative — maximum 2,000 characters
• International collaboration and/or expected impact for the applicant’s country of residence or origin — maximum 2,000 characters

The research project should contribute to addressing major environmental, climate, sustainability, energy, societal, or integrated One Health challenges.

The host laboratory is expected to provide an appropriate scientific environment and the facilities necessary for successful completion of the project.

The scholarship is intended to support the researcher and does not provide separate funding to the host laboratory.

Fellowship Benefits

The MOPGA 2027 scholarship provides:

• €2,500 per month for 12 months
• €500 installation allowance
• Health insurance
• Civil liability coverage
• Repatriation assistance
• Additional complementary health coverage after affiliation with French social security
• French Government Scholarship Holder (BGF) status

Important: The international journey to France is not covered by the MOPGA scholarship. Applicants may discuss possible travel support with their host laboratory.

The scholarship is not renewable and cannot be combined with a French employment contract, such as a research or postdoctoral employment contract, or another individual financial award from a French government entity.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare:

1. CV with publication list — maximum 4 pages
2. PhD diploma or official proof of doctoral qualification
3. CV of the scientific supervisor at the French host laboratory — maximum 2 pages
4. Letter of support from the host scientific supervisor, co-signed by the laboratory director or accompanied by a commitment letter from the director
5. 1–3 recommendation letters
6. Passport or national identity document
7. Complete MOPGA research project proposal

The application can be prepared in English or French.

How to Apply

Applicants must first identify a suitable French research laboratory or institution and develop their research proposal in collaboration with the prospective host.

The application must then be submitted online through the Campus France SMAPPLY platform.

Application Portal: MOPGA 2027 Application – Campus France SMAPPLY

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

For questions regarding the call, applicants can contact mopga@campusfrance.org.

Last Date for Apply

15 December 2026

Important Dates

• 15 September 2026: Applications open
• 15 December 2026: Application deadline
• May–June 2027: Results announced
• September–December 2027: Selected researchers arrive in France and begin their research stay

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