MOPGA 2026 Visiting Fellowship Program: Opportunities for Early Career Researchers

Applications are now open for the MOPGA 2026 Visiting Fellowship Program, a prestigious postdoctoral opportunity funded by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR). This fully funded program supports early career researchers worldwide in conducting 12-month research projects in France, focusing on critical environmental and climate issues.

Eligible fields include Earth system sciences, climate change and sustainability, energy transition, societal challenges related to the environment, and One Health approaches. Open to non-French citizens who earned their PhD between December 2020 and December 2025, the program has a deadline of December 12, 2025. There is no application fee, and fellows receive a monthly allowance, installation grant, and health coverage to support their research in leading French laboratories. You can also check BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details

• Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
• Eligible Fields:
  • Earth system sciences
  • Climate change and sustainability science
  • Energy transition
  • Societal challenges related to environmental issues
  • One Health (integrated human, animal, and environmental health)
• Benefits:
  • €2,500 monthly allowance
  • €500 one-time installation grant
  • Health insurance, civil liability, and repatriation assistance
• Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
• Application Fee: None

Program Overview

The MOPGA 2026 Visiting Fellowship Program, launched in 2018, is a flagship initiative aligned with the Paris Agreement. Implemented by Campus France, it invites international early career researchers to contribute to critical environmental and climate research in France. Fellows collaborate with leading French research institutions to advance scientific solutions to global challenges.

Eligible Research Themes

The program funds projects in the following five key areas:

• Earth System Sciences: Studies related to the Earth’s physical and biological systems.
• Climate Change and Sustainability Science: Research addressing climate impacts and sustainable solutions.
• Energy Transition: Projects focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Societal Challenges Related to Environmental Issues: Social, economic, or policy-related environmental research.
• One Health Approach: Integrated studies on human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing their interconnections.

Note: Projects solely focused on human health or medicine without an environmental or animal health link are not eligible. Innovative approaches using advanced technologies are prioritized.

For detailed information, visit the MOPGA Research Themes page.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• Non-French Citizenship: Applicants must not hold French citizenship.
• Recent PhD Graduates: You must have defended your doctoral degree between December 2020 and December 2025.
• Limited Residency in France: You must not have resided in France for more than 90 days between September 12, 2025, and December 12, 2025.

Exemption: Maternity leave extends the eligibility period by 18 months per child (with supporting documents).

Check Also: Environmental Fellows Program 2026 at Harvard University

Fellowship Benefits

The MOPGA fellowship provides the following for a 12-month duration:

• Monthly Allowance: €2,500 to cover living expenses.
• Installation Grant: A one-time payment of €500.
• Health Coverage: Includes health insurance, civil liability, and repatriation assistance, with complementary coverage after joining the French social security system.

The fellowship is part of the French Research Stay Scheme (under Article L.434-1 of the French Research Code) and grants recipients the status of French Government Scholarship holders (BGF). Payments are managed directly by Campus France.

Note: The fellowship does not cover international travel or laboratory expenses. Host laboratories must provide necessary resources but receive no direct funding.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the Campus France SMAPPLY platform. The application includes:

Research Project Details

• Title and Keywords (up to 6).
• Abstract (max. 2,000 characters).
• Context and Motivation (max. 2,000 characters).
• Scientific Objectives (max. 2,000 characters).
• Methodology and Timeline (max. 4,500 characters).
• Relevance to MOPGA Initiative (max. 2,000 characters).
• International Collaboration/Impact (max. 2,000 characters).

You may submit the application in English or French.

Check also: The Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship

Required Documents

• CV: Include a list of publications (max. 4 pages).
• PhD Diploma or completion certificate.
• Scientific Advisor’s CV (max. 2 pages).
• Letter of Support: From the scientific advisor, co-signed by the laboratory director or accompanied by a commitment letter from the director, confirming resource availability and alignment with lab objectives.
• Up to 3 Letters of Recommendation.
• Passport or Proof of ID.

Finding a Host Laboratory

Applicants must secure a host laboratory in France before applying. You can explore options via:

• Campus France Research Portal: Browse laboratory directories or postdoctoral offers.
• Academic Networks: Contact your current institution’s supervisors for connections to French labs.

Host laboratories must commit to providing a suitable scientific environment but do not receive funding from the program.

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Selection Process

The selection involves two stages:

1. Scientific Evaluation: Experts appointed by MESR review applications based on research themes.
2. Final Selection: A scientific committee selects the MOPGA 2026 laureates.

Key Dates

• Application Period Opens: September 12, 2025
• Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
• Results Notification: May/June 2026
• Fellowship Start: Between September and December 2026

Check Also: RWTH Aachen University “Port to Europe” Postdoc Fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

International researchers with a PhD obtained between December 2020 and December 2025, who have not resided in France for more than 90 days between September and December 2025.

Is travel to France covered?

No, travel costs are not covered, but your host laboratory may offer support.

Can I apply if I’m pursuing a Master’s or PhD?

No, this program is for postdoctoral researchers only. Check the France Excellence Eiffel Program