Applications are open for the MOPGA Fellowship 2027 (Make Our Planet Great Again), an international research fellowship supporting early-career researchers who want to conduct environmental and climate-related research in France.
The programme is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space, and implemented by Campus France. The 10th edition aims to select 60 international researchers to undertake a 12-month research project at a French host institution.
The fellowship focuses on major global challenges, including climate change, sustainability, energy transition, Earth system sciences and the relationship between human, animal and environmental health.
Successful applicants will receive a monthly allowance of €2,500, a one-time settling-in allowance of €500 and health coverage. The fellowship is scheduled to begin in September 2027, with successful researchers arriving in France between September and December 2027.
The application deadline is 15 December 2026.
MOPGA Fellowship 2027: Overview
About the MOPGA Fellowship
MOPGA stands for Make Our Planet Great Again. The initiative supports international scientific collaboration and research addressing environmental and climate challenges.
Through the 2027 visiting fellowship call, France aims to attract talented researchers from around the world and strengthen scientific cooperation with French laboratories and research institutions.
The fellowship allows selected researchers to conduct an independent research project in collaboration with a French scientific host. Applicants must identify a suitable host institution and develop a research proposal that aligns with the programme’s objectives.
Important: This is a postdoctoral research fellowship, not a scholarship for undergraduate, Master’s or PhD students. Applicants must already have defended their doctoral thesis within the specified eligibility period.
Financial Benefits of the MOPGA Fellowship 2027
The official fellowship package includes the following benefits:
Does the MOPGA Fellowship cover airfare?
No. International travel to France is not covered by the MOPGA fellowship itself. The official Campus France guidance states that the host laboratory may be able to assist with travel expenses, but this is not guaranteed.
Applicants should also budget for any personal or research expenses not covered by the fellowship allowance or host institution.
The fellowship is paid directly by Campus France and is not renewable. It cannot be combined with a French employment contract, such as a research or postdoctoral employment contract, or with other individual funding awarded by a French government entity.
Research Areas
The MOPGA Fellowship 2027 supports projects in five broad research areas.
1. Earth System Sciences
This area includes research on the Earth’s natural systems and the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, ecosystems and climate.
Possible topics include ecosystem processes, environmental monitoring, biodiversity, climate modelling and the effects of human activity on natural systems.
2. Climate Change and Sustainability Sciences
Research in this area addresses climate change, adaptation, mitigation and long-term environmental sustainability.
Projects may investigate climate impacts, sustainable development, environmental resilience or innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Energy Transition
This theme focuses on research supporting the transition toward more sustainable energy systems.
Potential topics include renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, energy storage and the environmental implications of energy production and consumption.
4. Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues
This area examines the social, economic, policy and behavioural dimensions of environmental challenges.
Projects may explore environmental governance, climate policy, sustainable communities, environmental justice or how societies respond to climate and ecological change.
5. Human, Animal and Environmental Health – One Health
This research area focuses on the connections between human health, animal health and ecosystems.
Important: Projects under this theme must adopt an integrated One Health approach. Research focused exclusively on human medicine or human health, without a meaningful environmental or animal-health dimension, is not eligible under this theme.
The programme gives particular consideration to innovative projects that use advanced technologies in the eligible research areas.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MOPGA Fellowship 2027, candidates must satisfy the official eligibility requirements.
An exception to the five-year doctoral eligibility period may be available in certain maternity-leave circumstances, subject to the programme’s rules and supporting documentation.
Can applicants from Ghana apply?
Yes. Ghanaian researchers may apply because the programme is open to international applicants of all nationalities except French nationals, provided they satisfy the doctoral, mobility and research-project requirements.
Applicants from Ghana must also arrange a suitable French host institution and submit the required supporting documents.
Research Project Proposal Requirements
The research proposal is a central part of the application. Candidates must explain what they intend to investigate, how the work will be carried out and how it contributes to the MOPGA programme’s scientific priorities.
The application requests the following sections:
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Research Proposal
Required Documents
The official application guidance lists the following documents:
Prepare the documents in the required format and ensure that the host laboratory’s support is confirmed before submitting the application.
How to Apply for the MOPGA Fellowship 2027 in France
Applications are submitted online through the official Campus France application platform.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you have defended your PhD within the specified period, meet the nationality and mobility requirements, and have not previously received a MOPGA fellowship.
Step 2: Choose Your Research Theme
Identify the theme that best matches your research interests: Earth system sciences, climate change and sustainability, energy transition, societal environmental challenges, or integrated One Health research.
Step 3: Find a French Host Institution
Identify a French research laboratory and a scientific supervisor whose expertise matches your proposed project. Discuss the research plan and confirm the laboratory’s willingness to host you.
Step 4: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Complete the required project sections, keeping each response within the stated character limit. Clearly explain the scientific objectives, methodology, timeline and expected impact.
Step 5: Collect the Required Documents
Prepare your CV, PhD certificate, host supervisor’s CV, institutional support letter, recommendation letters and identity document.
Step 6: Submit Your Online Application
Use the official Campus France application portal:
https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga_2027/
Complete the online form and upload the required documents.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
The application deadline is 15 December 2026. Submit early enough to resolve any technical issues and ensure that all required documents are included.
Step 8: Wait for the Selection Results
Applications will undergo scientific assessment followed by a final selection stage. Results are expected to be communicated in May–June 2027.
Successful candidates are expected to begin their research stays at French host institutions between September and December 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the MOPGA Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
The fellowship provides a €2,500 monthly allowance, a one-time €500 settling-in allowance and health coverage. However, international travel to France is not covered by the fellowship itself, so it is important to budget for airfare and any other uncovered costs.
2. How many fellowships are available?
The 2027 call aims to select 60 international early-career researchers.
3. Can Ghanaian researchers apply?
Yes. Ghanaian applicants can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements, including the PhD defence date, mobility conditions and research-theme requirements.
4. Can current PhD students apply?
Applicants must have defended their PhD thesis by the end of December 2026. Those who have not yet defended their thesis by then are not eligible for this call.
5. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts 12 months and is not renewable.
6. What is the monthly allowance?
Successful fellows receive €2,500 per month, along with a one-time €500 settling-in allowance.
7. Does the fellowship cover international airfare?
No. International travel costs are not covered by the fellowship. Applicants may ask their prospective host laboratory whether any additional travel support is available.
8. Do I need a French host institution?
Yes. Applicants need a scientific supervisor and host laboratory in France that can support the project and provide the required research environment.
9. Is there an application fee?
Consult the official Campus France application portal and current call guidance for the applicable application requirements.
10. What is the deadline?
The application deadline is 15 December 2026.
Final Thoughts
The MOPGA Fellowship 2027 offers an opportunity for early-career researchers to carry out a year of research in France on climate, sustainability, energy transition and environmental challenges.
It is particularly relevant to researchers who have recently completed a PhD and want to develop international collaborations with French laboratories. Before applying, confirm your eligibility, secure a host institution, prepare a strong research proposal and ensure that you understand the funding conditions, including the fact that international airfare is not covered.
Official application portal:
https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga_2027/
Official programme information:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/mopga-2027
Application deadline: 15 December 2026
