The Roullier Endowment Fund is launching its third call for soil research proposals!
The Roullier Endowment Fund Launches Its Third Call for Research Proposals
The Roullier Endowment Fund is launching its third call for research proposals, titled “AAP Recherche Sols 2027–2030,” designed to support scientific projects of public interest that contribute to a better understanding of soils and the development of sustainable and resilient agriculture.
Project leaders may receive funding ranging from €200,000 to €400,000 per project, enabling support for ambitious initiatives over a period of 3 to 5 years.
This call for proposals aligns with the Roullier Endowment Fund’s mission to promote sustainable agriculture by supporting scientific projects that help preserve, restore, and enhance soil functions in the face of current environmental challenges.
Themes Supported
This 2027–2030 edition is organized around two major themes (CHOOSE ONE):
- Soils Resilient to Water-Related Challenges
This research area aims to develop solutions that will enable agriculture to better adapt to climate change, particularly in the face of droughts and excessive rainfall.
The expected results should help expand our understanding of the role of soils in the water cycle and provide solutions that can be applied by farmers in various soil and climate contexts.
- Soil Health Monitoring and Assessment
This research area focuses on the development of methods and tools for measuring, monitoring, and interpreting the health of agricultural soils.
Projects should result in robust, transferable methods tailored to user needs in order to support the transition to sustainable soil management.
Guidelines for Participating in the 2027–2030 Call for Proposals
Funding per project will range from €200,000 to €400,000, for projects with total budgets that may reach several million euros. The Fund’s support is primarily intended to finance project engineering and coordination.
Selected projects must:
- Be administratively managed by a French or European organization, while the scientific and operational implementation of the project may take place internationally;
- Be projects of public interest;
- Fall within one of the two thematic areas of the call for proposals defined in the specifications;
Living Lab-style initiatives and co-funded projects will be particularly welcome.
Apply for the Call for Proposals
In 2027, only those projects that demonstrate an effective contribution to one of the two themes of the call for proposals will be selected.
The selection process will take place in two phases:
Phase 1: Submission of the concept paper
Applications will be accepted from November 10, 2026, through January 24, 2027, at midnight. Project proposers must submit the completed concept note via email using the provided template.
Applications should be sent to: appelaprojets@fdroullier.org
Approximately ten projects will be selected at the end of this first phase. Results will be communicated to applicants during the week of May 25, 2027.
Phase 2: Complete Application and Interview
Shortlisted project proposers will receive a more detailed application package and will be invited to present their project during an interview lasting approximately thirty minutes with the selection committee, either in person or via videoconference.
The selection committee will meet in early September 2027, and agreements with the winners will be signed before the end of 2027.
Target Project Leaders
This call for proposals is open to French and European organizations such as:
- public research organizations;
- institutions of higher education;
- university chairs;
- NGOs and associations;
- foundations or endowment funds;
- agricultural research and development organizations;
- French or international institutions.
For-profit businesses and individuals are not eligible.
How to Respond to the Call for Proposals
To apply, please submit the completed concept note in PDF format to appelaprojets@fdroullier.org by midnight on January 24, 2027. The project leader must include the following in the email subject line:
[Call for Proposals—Soil Research 2027–2030] – [Project Name]
Available documents:
FAQ – Call for Proposals
What are the key dates ?
- Applications open: November 10, 2026
- Applications close: January 24, 2027, at midnight
- Phase 1 results: the week of May 25, 2027
- Final jury meeting: early September 2027
- Signing of agreements: by the end of 2027
What is the amount of the proposed funding?
Funding may be awarded in amounts of up to €400,000 per project for programs lasting 3 to 5 years. Projects that receive public, private, or in-kind co-funding will be given priority.
What costs are eligible?
The following, among others, are eligible:
- travel expenses;
- consumables;
- project engineering expenses;
- contributions valued as part of co-financing.
Major capital expenditures that are depreciated over several years are not eligible.
Do projects have to be carried out in a specific geographic area?
No. All geographic implementation areas are eligible, provided that the project’s administrative sponsor is based in France or Europe.
Is the funding paid out in one or more installments?
Funding is disbursed in installments, based on the project’s deadlines and milestones. The payment schedule will be specified in the agreement signed with the awardees.