The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Scholarship Program is an initiative by the French government aimed at attracting international researchers and scholars to France to work on projects that address pressing global environmental issues. Launched in 2017 in response to climate change and environmental degradation, the program seeks to support research in areas such as climate science, biodiversity, renewable energy, and sustainable ecosystems. It is part of France’s broader commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to mobilize global talent for solving climate-related challenges.
The program offers financial support for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars from across the world, providing them with an opportunity to work in France’s renowned research institutions. It not only covers living and research expenses but also fosters collaboration between French institutions and global research centers. The scholars are expected to contribute to innovative solutions for climate action, making the program an attractive platform for those passionate about making a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability. Additionally, participants benefit from an international network of experts, fostering collaboration on a global scale, which is crucial for addressing climate change, a problem without borders.
The MOPGA scholarship is a prestigious and fully-funded opportunity designed for highly motivated researchers who are committed to addressing the complex environmental challenges of our time. It serves both as a symbol of France’s leadership in climate science and as a practical mechanism for driving forward vital research that can shape the future of our planet.
This eighth call for projects from the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) program, funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and implemented by Campus France, will accommodate at least 60 young researchers wishing to carry out their research in France.
Requirements For The Funded Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) Scholarship Program
- Only foreign researchers with a PhD degree less than 5 years ago can apply for this call for projects. All nationalities are eligible except French nationality.
- A minimum of 60 scholarships will be awarded to successful young researchers over a 12-month period starting in September 2025 .
Researchers must:
- Have held a doctoral degree for less than 5 years on the date of submission of the application, i.e. have defended their thesis between December 2019 and December 2024 inclusive;
- Be exclusively of foreign nationality;
- Candidates must not have resided in France for more than 90 days between September 5, 2024 and December 5, 2024.
Research Themes
Five major research areas are eligible:
- Earth system sciences;
- climate change and sustainability sciences;
- the energy transition;
- the societal challenges of environmental issues;
- human, animal and environmental health as defined under the “One Health” approach.
Benefits
This scholarship awards the following benefits:
- Monthly allowance of 2,500 euros
- Installation allowance of 500 euros
- Health insurance : coverage of health insurance, civil liability and repatriation assistance until affiliation to French social security;
- Supplementary health insurance : once social security affiliation is effective, coverage of supplementary health insurance, civil liability and repatriation assistance.
Application Procedure
Documents Required to Application
- CV with list of publications (4 pages maximum);
- Doctoral degree (or diploma certificate);
- CV of the French research director for the research stay (2 pages maximum);
- Letter of commitment from the French host laboratory to provide the means to carry out the research project;
- Letter of recommendation (3 maximum);
- Copy of passport or national identity document.
Method of Application
Candidates must submit their research project online at the
following link: https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/mopga-2025/
Timeline:
- September 5, 2024 : Opening of the entry of applications
- December 5, 2024: Closing of the call for applications
- May 2025 : Notification of results
- Between September and December 2025: Arrival in France of the winners and start of their research stay in French establishments.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024.
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