APPLY NOW! MOPGA 2023: Visiting Fellowship Program for Young Researchers

France, as a major player in the fight against climate change and guarantor of the spirit of the Paris Agreement, is launching a new MOPGA visiting fellowship program geared towards strengthening scientific contributions to climate change issues raised by the COPs. 

This sixth Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) call for applications is intended to welcome 40 young researchers wishing to carry out their research in France. The program is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, and implemented by Campus France. 

The MOPGA 2023 Visiting Fellowship Program for Young Researchers will support researchers working on topics listed in the “Research Themes” section.

Description of the Research Project (in English or French)

• Research Project Title
• Keywords (6)
• Abstract of the Research Project (2,000 char. max.)
• Context and Motivation (2,000 char. max.)
• Scientific Objectives (2,000 char. max.)
• Methodology and Timeline (4,500 char. max.)
• Project position in relation to the MOPGA scientific domain (2,000 char. max.)
• Collaborations and / or impacts for the candidate’s country of residence in relation to the research project proposal (2,000 characters max.)

Who may apply?

• Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years
• No nationality restrictions (except France)
• 40 fellowships will be awarded for a 12-month period from September 2023.

This fellowship includes the following benefits :

• Monthly allowance of 2,500 euros
• Moving allowance of 500 euros
• Support for social security coverage
• Support for health insurance

A Hosting Agreement (convention de séjour de recherche) will have to be established between the MOPGA Fellow and the host institution. This Agreement will specify the means and resources made available by the host laboratory so that the researcher can carry out the research project. For more information:  https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/fr/bo/22/Hebdo19/ESRS2207381C.htm

Research themes

Five broad research themes are eligible:

• Earth systems
• Climate change and sustainability
• Energy transition
• Societal challenges of environmental issues
• Human, animal and ecosystem health as part as a “One Health” approach.

Selection Process

In line with the ambitions and requirements of this call for applications, the selection process will unfold in two phases. In the first phase, scientific experts in each relevant field will evaluate the applications. In the second phase, an international committee will select the 40 final fellows for the MOPGA 2023 program. 

Eligibility 

Individuals fitting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• Applicants who do NOT hold French citizenship 
• Foreign researchers holding a doctoral degree for less than 5 years (must have passed their thesis defense between December 2017 and January 2023)
• Foreign researchers who have not resided in France after September 1st 2022 (for more than 90 days)

Documents needed

1. CV including the list of your publications in English (4 pages max)
2. PhD Diploma (or certificate of PhD diploma)
3. CV of your research supervisor in the French host institution (2 pages max)
4. Letter of support from the French host institution
5. Letters of recommendation (3 max)
6. Passport or proof of ID

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be submitted via the following link: https://campusfrance.smapply.io/prog/MOPGA-2023.

Timeline

• October 12th 2022: Application period opens
• January 16th 2023: Application period ends  
• End of June 2023 : Notification of the results
• Between September 2023 and December 2023 (at the latest): Arrival in France and start of the fellowship