IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme 2027

Overview

The IOC Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme is designed to promote high-quality research on Olympism, the history and ideals of the Olympic Movement, athletes, the Olympic Games, and their wider impact on contemporary society and culture. Eligible projects must be situated within the humanities and/or social sciences. Participants also gain the opportunity to visit the Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, to consult its collections, primary sources, and IOC Historical Archives.

Benefits

A maximum research grant of up to USD 6,000, determined by the Grant Programme Selection Committee.
Coverage for economy-class travel and living expenses for research visits to the OSC in Lausanne.
Support for translation of essential research materials, data collection costs, software, web hosting, and other justified research expenditures.
Up to USD 1,500 allocated for knowledge-mobilisation activities like conference participation, publication fees, podcasts, or blogs.

Eligibility

PhD Students: Must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme in the humanities or social sciences with Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games as at least one research focus, must remain enrolled throughout the grant period, and the project must contribute directly to their doctoral thesis.
Early Career Academics (ECA): Must be academic staff or postdoctoral fellows who completed their doctorate or equivalent highest degree in 2024 or later in the humanities or social sciences, and must hold a university appointment for the entire grant period.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply using the official application form and submit their materials in English or French. Required documentation includes:

Completed official application form.
Proof of registration or appointment covering the grant period (proof of doctoral enrolment for PhD students, or proof of university appointment including academic/research status for early career academics).
A signed letter of recommendation on institutional letterhead from a PhD supervisor or ECA mentor.
An ethics committee approval certificate, if applicable.

Further enquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Deadline

For the 2027 award, the application deadline is 22 September 2026.

Overview

Benefits

A maximum research grant of up to USD 6,000, determined by the Grant Programme Selection Committee.

Coverage for economy-class travel and living expenses for research visits to the OSC in Lausanne.

Support for translation of essential research materials, data collection costs, software, web hosting, and other justified research expenditures.

Up to USD 1,500 allocated for knowledge-mobilisation activities like conference participation, publication fees, podcasts, or blogs.

Eligibility

PhD Students: Must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme in the humanities or social sciences with Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games as at least one research focus, must remain enrolled throughout the grant period, and the project must contribute directly to their doctoral thesis.

Early Career Academics (ECA): Must be academic staff or postdoctoral fellows who completed their doctorate or equivalent highest degree in 2024 or later in the humanities or social sciences, and must hold a university appointment for the entire grant period.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply using the official application form and submit their materials in English or French. Required documentation includes:

Completed official application form.

Proof of registration or appointment covering the grant period (proof of doctoral enrolment for PhD students, or proof of university appointment including academic/research status for early career academics).

A signed letter of recommendation on institutional letterhead from a PhD supervisor or ECA mentor.

An ethics committee approval certificate, if applicable.

Further enquiries can be directed to [email protected].