Deadline: 28-Sep-2025
The Living Planet Fellowship is an initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) to support a new generation of scientists in ESA Member States. It enables early-career researchers to carry out advanced studies in Earth Observation, Earth System Science, and Climate Research. The fellowship aligns with ESA’s strategy of using Earth Science to address future societal and environmental challenges.
This call aims to foster young scientists who can develop science-based solutions for pressing global issues. In addition to funding research, it offers several benefits, such as support for small-scale experiments and in-situ data collection, the opportunity to collaborate at ESA’s Earth System Science Hub or other institutions, and access to cloud computing and digital platforms.
The main goal of the fellowship is to maximize the scientific return of ESA missions and European Earth Observation capacity. It supports the development of novel methods and data products and addresses core scientific questions from ESA’s Earth Observation Science Strategy. It also encourages projects that improve our ability to predict how society interacts with the Earth system.
The program encourages open science, data sharing, and the integration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. It leverages European space assets such as Sentinel missions, Earth Explorers, and long-term data records, combined with third-party mission data, in-situ observations, and citizen science.
Candidates are required to propose a two-year research plan in one of several eligible areas. These include the development of new EO methods and products, innovative Earth system science studies, advanced data-driven simulations using AI and machine learning, and scientific preparation for future Sentinel missions under the Copernicus program.
ESA plans to co-fund selected research positions up to a maximum of €200,000 per project. Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in a relevant field after January 1, 2018. Those with earlier degrees may be considered if they have less than eight years of postdoctoral experience, with a justified career break.
Applicants must be nationals of an ESA Member or Associated State participating in the FutureEO-1 Segment 3 (2025–2027) Programme. The research will be hosted by a university, lab, technical center, or company in these countries. Host organisations must co-fund at least 30% of the total project cost and confirm readiness to start by early 2026.
Each host can support only one selected candidate to ensure geographical diversity. Selected fellows will act as Principal Investigators and must be fully dedicated to their projects, working from the host organisation throughout the fellowship, except for short visits to other labs or ESA centers.
To apply, candidates must submit their research proposal online via the LimeSurvey platform. The application should include the project proposal, a support letter from the host organisation, two additional reference letters from senior scientists, and a full CV with a publication list.
For more information, visit ESA.
