The Fonds de Dotation Roullier launches its second call for proposals soil research!
2026–2029: a second call for proposals soil research on the theme of soil
On January 22, the Fonds de Dotation Roullier launched its second research call for proposals, “Call for proposals Soil Research 2026–29: towards better understanding and sustainable management of soils: ecosystem services and innovations”. General-interest project leaders will receive funding ranging from €200,000 to €400,000 per project! This substantial sum will be used to finance ambitious projects.
This call for proposals (CFP) is fully aligned with the mission of the Fonds de Dotation Roullier to support sustainable and high-performing agriculture, with a particular focus on improving the quality of agricultural soils. Its objective is to encourage ambitious, innovative, multi-partner and general-interest research projects, in France and internationally, by providing significant financial support for a period of three to five years.
Supported themes
The main themes supported by the CFP are:
● Ecosystem services provided by soils in agricultural landscapes. This topic may overlap with several disciplines such as ecology, pedology, sociology, economics, law, agronomy, etc. Soil ecosystem services are classified into four categories: provisioning services; regulatory services; cultural services; supporting or self-maintaining services. Projects may, for example, focus on the assessment/enhancement of these services; the synergies and conflicts between these services; conflicting uses and soil governance, etc.
● Innovations for soil quality. This topic may concern precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, biology, etc. Disruptive solutions are anticipated rather than continuity solutions.
Terms and conditions for participation in the 2026-2029 call for proposals
The total financing accorded to each project will be between €200,000 and €400,000 maximum for projects having an overall budget from €200,000 up to several million euros. In addition to financing, the Fonds de Dotation Roullier may offer technical support within the realm of its expertise. The funding accorded by this call for proposals will support the engineering aspect of the projects.
The application period is open from January 22, 2026, to April 6, 2026. Details of the CFP, the application form, and the participation guidelines are available on this page. This year, the application process will occur in two stages, to simplify the procedure for project leaders.
Applying for the call for proposals
Only projects demonstrating an effective contribution to one of the two themes of the call for proposals will be selected in 2026.
The selection process will take place in two phases:
Phase 1: Project leaders will be able to apply for this call for proposals between 22 January 2026 and midnight on 6 April 2026. They must complete the online form and submit the concept note in PDF format in the space provided in the form.
Experts will evaluate the various proposals between 6 April and 25 May 2026. Around ten proposals will be selected to proceed to phase 2.
Phase 2: the project leader must complete an application form that will be sent to them (more comprehensive than the concept note) and will be interviewed by the jury for around 30 minutes. The interview may be conducted in person or by videoconference, at the discretion of the project leader.
Targeted project leaders
This call for proposals is aimed at both French and European project leaders. The administrative project leader signing the agreement must be French or European, but the scientific leadership may be international. The project may be carried out primarily in the following areas: France and Europe and/or North Africa and/or Latin America and/or India and/or North America.
Commercial entities and individuals are not eligible for this call for proposals.
How to respond to the call for proposals
To apply for the call for proposals Soil Research 2026–2029, please complete the online form below and submit the concept note in PDF format in the space provided in the form before midnight on 6 April 2026.
Documents available:
FAQ – Call for proposals soil research
What are the main dates for the call for proposals ?
- Submission of applications: until 6 April 2026
- Announcement of projects selected in phase 1: week of 25 May 2026
- For projects selected in phase 1: submission of the complete application by 17 August 2026
What is the amount of funding proposed and what does it cover?
The total financing accorded to each project will be between €200,000 and €400,000 per project, spread over a period of 3 to 5 years.
There is no set funding rate for projects. However, projects involving multi-partnership and co-funding (public, private or working time) with diversified funding will be given priority.
Concerning eligible costs:
- Eligible : small equipment and consumables (e.g. agricultural tarpaulins, seeds, plants, inputs, etc.). Overhead costs (rate not fixed but between 10% and 15%), as well as personnel expenses allocated to the project (salaries for students/doctoral students/fixed-term contracts, etc.).
- Not eligible: heavy investments that can be depreciated over several years.
Do projects have to be implemented in a specific geographical area?
The administrative project leader signing the agreement must be French or European, but the scientific leadership may be international.
The project may be carried out primarily in the following areas:
- France and Europe
- Mediterranean Basin
- Latin America
- India
- North America
What documents must be included in the application file?
To apply, you must:
- Fill in the online form,
- Submit the completed concept note, using the template provided in the call for proposals.
Additional files will be requested in phase 2 for shortlisted projects.
Is the funding paid in one or more instalments?
Funding is paid in instalments, based on project deadlines and milestones. The payment schedule will be specified in the agreement signed with the successful applicants.