MOPGA 8 Visiting Fellowship 2026 for Young Researchers to France
France is once again taking a global leadership role in addressing climate change through the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Visiting Fellowship Programme. This initiative, now in its ninth edition for 2026, invites 60 exceptional young researchers from around the world to conduct groundbreaking studies in France on topics aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to the global climate agenda while immersing yourself in one of Europe’s most research-driven environments.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The MOPGA Fellowship is designed to strengthen international scientific cooperation on climate and sustainability. It enables talented postdoctoral researchers to engage with French research institutions and address pressing global issues related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to tackle the multifaceted challenges of environmental change and sustainability.
MOPGA 8 Fellowship Coverage
Selected fellows will receive:
- A monthly allowance of €2,500 for 12 months.
- A moving allowance of €500 to support relocation.
- Social security and health insurance coverage during their stay.
- Institutional support through a Hosting Agreement (Convention de Séjour de Recherche) specifying research resources and collaboration terms.
Research Themes
Participants will focus their research within one of five key thematic areas:
- Earth Systems – studying interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
- Climate Change and Sustainability – advancing methods for climate resilience and adaptation.
- Energy Transition – innovating toward renewable energy and carbon neutrality.
- Societal Challenges of Environmental Issues – exploring policy, economics, and community adaptation.
- One Health Approach – addressing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be foreign researchers who earned their PhD between December 2020 and December 2025.
- Not hold French nationality.
- Not have resided in France for more than 90 days between 12 September and 12 December 2025.
- Propose a compelling research project aligned with the MOPGA themes and be hosted by a French institution willing to sign a research hosting agreement.
Application Timeline
The application period for the MOPGA 8 Visiting Fellowship Programme for Young Researchers will close on 12 December 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of the results between May and June 2026, allowing sufficient time to finalize their arrangements. The selected fellows will then begin their research stay in France between September and December 2026, depending on the schedule set by their host institutions and project requirements.
Why Apply?
The MOPGA Fellowship empowers the next generation of scientists to lead climate-focused innovation. Fellows gain not just funding, but access to France’s top laboratories, mentorship from world-class experts, and an international network of sustainability researchers—all while making tangible contributions to protecting our planet.
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