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MOPGA 2027 Visiting Fellowship | Climate Research in France

The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) 2027 program offers 12-month visiting fellowships for early-career international researchers to conduct climate and environmental research in France. Funded by the French government, the program supports scholars who defended their PhD between December 2021 and December 2026.

October 27, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Dec 15, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryFrance
University/OrgVarious French research institutions
Degree LevelPostdoctoral
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyClimate Change, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Sustainability
DeadlineDecember 15, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) 2027 Visiting Fellowship is a French government-funded research program designed to attract early-career international researchers to France. Launched as part of France’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the program strengthens scientific contributions to climate change issues raised by the Conferences of the Parties (COP).

The fellowship is funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space (MESRE), and implemented by Campus France. Successful applicants receive 12 months of support to conduct research at leading French institutions, beginning in September 2027.

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What the Fellowship Covers

The MOPGA 2027 fellowship provides:

  • Duration: 12 months of funded research support
  • Start date: September 2027
  • Research environment: Collaboration with leading French research institutions
  • Mobility support: International relocation to France

The program emphasizes integration into France’s research ecosystem, enabling fellows to build lasting collaborations with French climate and environmental scientists.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Hold a doctoral degree awarded less than five years before the application deadline
  • Have defended their PhD thesis between December 2021 and December 2026 inclusive
  • Be exclusively of foreign nationality (French nationals are ineligible; all other nationalities accepted)
  • Apply specifically for international mobility to France
  • Not be residing and professionally active in France at the time of application
  • Not have previously received a MOPGA fellowship

For researchers from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to access European research infrastructure while maintaining regional relevance for climate adaptation research.

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship supports research on:

  • Climate change science and impacts
  • Environmental topics aligned with COP priorities
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to planetary health

Specific research topics and thematic priorities are detailed in the official call for applications.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Review the call for applications: Download and study the official MOPGA 2027 program documentation to understand research topics and requirements.
  2. Identify a French host institution: Establish contact with potential French research supervisors or laboratories aligned with your research interests.
  3. Prepare application materials: Compile required documents (see Documents section below).
  4. Submit online application: Apply through the Campus France portal before the deadline.
  5. Await selection results: Successful candidates will be notified in advance of the September 2027 start date.

Required Documents

While the complete document checklist is specified in the official call, typical requirements include:

  • Detailed research proposal aligned with MOPGA themes
  • Curriculum vitae highlighting publications and research experience
  • PhD certificate or proof of thesis defense
  • Letter(s) of support from French host institution(s)
  • Proof of nationality (passport or national ID)
  • Evidence of current residence and professional status

All documents must demonstrate eligibility regarding PhD award date, nationality, and absence of prior MOPGA funding.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

  • Scientific excellence and innovation of the proposed research
  • Relevance to climate change and environmental challenges
  • Feasibility and quality of collaboration with French institutions
  • Applicant’s research track record and potential
  • Alignment with COP-related scientific priorities

Why Apply from Zimbabwe/SADC

For Southern African researchers, MOPGA 2027 offers distinct advantages:

  • Climate relevance: Research on drought, agriculture, water security, and renewable energy aligns directly with MOPGA priorities
  • No French language requirement: Research can typically be conducted in English
  • Network building: Access to European climate research networks applicable to SADC policy contexts
  • Career acceleration: 12 months of dedicated research time with institutional support

Important Dates

Milestone Date
Application deadline December 15, 2026
Fellowship start September 2027
Fellowship duration 12 months

Related Opportunities

If you are ineligible for MOPGA 2027, consider these alternatives:

  • Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 (postdoctoral, European policy focus)
  • TWAS Research Professors in LDCs 2026 (visiting fellowships in least developed countries)
  • East-West Center Advanced Leadership Program 2027 (professional fellowship)

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

12-month research fellowship including support for international mobility and collaboration with French institutions; specific stipend amount not published

Eligibility Criteria

Foreign nationals only (French citizens excluded); PhD defended between December 2021 and December 2026; not residing or professionally active in France at application; no prior MOPGA fellowship

Required Documents

Research proposal, CV, PhD certificate, host institution support letter(s), proof of nationality, proof of residence; full list in official call

Application Process

1) Review official call for research topics, 2) Contact French host institutions, 3) Prepare application documents, 4) Submit via Campus France portal before December 15, 2026
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Your PhD must already be defended by the application deadline of December 15, 2026. The eligible defense window is December 2021 through December 2026 inclusive.
French language proficiency is not stated as a requirement. Research can typically be conducted in English, though learning basic French will enhance your experience. Confirm specific language needs with your prospective host institution.
The exact financial package is not specified in the published information. The fellowship covers 12 months of research support including international mobility. Consult the official call for applications for detailed funding terms.
Yes, provided you have not previously received a MOPGA fellowship specifically. Other French funding (Eiffel, Labex, etc.) does not disqualify you, but you must not be residing or professionally active in France at the time of application.
Competition is strong given France's reputation in climate research and the program's alignment with COP priorities. Success depends on research excellence, alignment with MOPGA themes, and quality of institutional collaboration. Early contact with French host researchers significantly improves prospects.
Family accompaniment policies are not specified in the available information. This would typically depend on visa regulations and institutional policies. Inquire directly with Campus France or your host institution after selection.