The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Fellowship Program was established in 2018 by the French government to promote international collaboration in addressing climate change. This fully funded fellowship program is open to early career researchers from all over the world, except France. The goal is to support innovative research projects that contribute to the fight against climate change and address critical environmental issues in line with the Paris Agreement. The fully funded fellowship program is led by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, in collaboration with Campus France.
Through this initiative, 60 researchers will be awarded the opportunity to complete a 12-month research project in France at prestigious institutions. The focus will be strengthening the scientific contributions to climate change issues discussed during the COP meetings. The fellowship provides ample resources and networking opportunities to enhance fellow researchers’ research capabilities while fostering international cooperation.
Applicants can submit research proposals in one of five key areas, including Earth systems, climate change, energy transition, societal challenges of environmental issues, and One Health. The program emphasizes the use of advanced technologies to generate innovative and impactful research outcomes, making it a unique opportunity for researchers committed to tackling environmental challenges.
Quick Overview of MOPGA Fellowship 2025
- Host Country: France
- Host Institutions: French research centers recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research
- Deadline: December 5, 2024
- Duration: 12 months
- Research Themes: Earth systems, Climate change and sustainability, Energy transition, Societal challenges of environmental issues, One Health
- Value:
- €2,500 monthly allowance
- €500 moving allowance
- Health insurance
- Eligibility: Early career researchers with a doctoral degree (earned between Dec 2019 and Dec 2024), who have not resided in France for more than 90 days between Sept 5, 2024, and Dec 5, 2024.
Perks of Fellowship by Make Our Planet Great Again
- Full financial support, including a monthly stipend of €2,500 and a moving allowance of €500 to cover relocation costs.
- Health insurance coverage including coverage for civil liability and repatriation assistance upon arrival in France, with a complementary plan once registered with the French Social Security.
- Access to French research networks and the ability to collaborate with leading experts in climate science and sustainability.
- The opportunity to live and work in France, contributing to critical environmental research.
Benefits of French Government Fellowship
- Opportunity to work at world-class French research institutions.
- Full immersion in climate science research with a focus on global collaboration.
- The ability to contribute to cutting-edge projects that align with COP climate goals.
- Potential to influence environmental policy and sustainable practices worldwide through innovative research.
- A platform for building international networks that can lead to further collaborations and career advancement in the field of environmental science.
Exclusions of these Fully Funded Fellowships in France
- Travel expenses to France are not covered.
- Applicants cannot be French citizens or have lived in France for more than 90 days between September 5, 2024, and December 5, 2024.
- The program is not open to individuals who obtained their doctoral degree before December 2019 or after December 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for the Fellowships Program in Paris, France
- Applicants must have earned their PhD between December 2019 and December 2024.
- Must be a foreign national (non-French citizens).
- Must have no residency in France for more than 90 days between September 5, 2024, and December 5, 2024.
- Must submit a well-defined research proposal within the framework of the MOPGA themes.
Important Dates for Fellowships on Climate Change in France
- Application Opens: September 5, 2024
- Application Deadline: December 5, 2024
- Results Notification: May 2025
- Fellowship Start: Between September 2025 and December 2025
How to Apply to MOPGA Fellowship for International Students
- Prepare a research project proposal (in English or French) focused on one of the eligible research themes.
- Submit the following documents:
- CV including a list of publications (4 pages max)
- PhD diploma (or certificate)
- CV of research supervisor in France (2 pages max)
- Letter of support from the French host institution
- Up to 3 letters of recommendation
- Passport or ID
- Apply online via the MOPGA application portal: Apply Now
Required Documents for MOPGA Fellowship 2025
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication history (max 4 pages)
- PhD diploma or a certificate of the PhD award.
- CV of the research supervisor from the host institution (max 2 pages)
- Letter of support from the host institution in France.
- Recommendation letters (up to three).
- Passport or ID copy.
For more details and to apply, visit the official MOGPA website.
