IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme 2027: Up to USD 6,000 for PhD Students and Early-Career Academics
The IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme 2027 is now accepting applications from PhD students and early-career academics conducting research related to the Olympic Movement. The international programme provides financial support for scholarly research in the humanities and social sciences.
Successful applicants can receive a research grant of up to USD 6,000 to support eligible research expenses. The programme also provides selected researchers with an opportunity to visit the Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, where they can access important collections and historical materials.
The programme is open to applicants from all countries, making it an opportunity for researchers worldwide who meet the eligibility requirements.
About the IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme
The research grant programme supports emerging researchers whose academic work focuses on areas connected to Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games.
Research proposals should be situated within the humanities and/or social sciences and should contribute to a better understanding of Olympic-related topics and their wider impact on contemporary society and culture.
For PhD students, the proposed research must make a clear contribution to their doctoral thesis. Early-career academics and postdoctoral researchers can also apply if their research meets the programme’s requirements.
One of the key features of the programme is the opportunity to conduct research in Lausanne. Selected researchers may consult the Olympic Studies Centre’s collections, primary sources, and IOC Historical Archives, providing access to valuable materials for Olympic-related scholarship.
What the Research Grant Offers
Successful applicants can receive a maximum research grant of USD 6,000. The final amount awarded is determined by the Grant Programme Selection Committee.
Funding can be used for research-related expenses that are directly connected to the approved project. Eligible expenses may include:
- Economy-class travel and living expenses associated with research visits
- Research visits to Lausanne and consultation of relevant archives and collections
- Translation of essential research materials
- Data collection, including workshops and focus groups
- Relevant software that is not provided by the applicant’s university
- Web hosting and content development
- Other relevant and properly justified research expenses
Up to USD 1,500 may also be allocated to knowledge-mobilisation activities. These can include conference participation, publication fees, podcasts, blogs, and similar activities that help share research findings.
Who Can Apply?
The programme has two main applicant categories.
PhD students must currently be enrolled in a PhD programme in the humanities or social sciences. Their doctoral research must include Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games as at least one research focus.
PhD applicants must remain enrolled throughout the entire grant period. Their proposed project must also clearly contribute to their doctoral thesis.
Early-career academics (ECAs) can include academic staff and postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate or equivalent highest degree in 2024 or later. ECA applicants must hold a university appointment for the entire grant period.
The programme is open to applicants from all countries.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the required supporting documents before submitting their application.
These include a completed official application form and proof of registration or appointment covering the grant period.
PhD applicants must provide current proof of doctoral enrolment. Early-career academics must provide proof of their current university appointment, including their academic or research status.
Applicants must also provide a letter of recommendation from their PhD supervisor or ECA mentor. The letter should be on institutional letterhead and signed.
An ethics committee approval certificate is required where applicable, particularly for research involving interviews, surveys, human subjects, data collection, or fieldwork, or where approval is required by the applicant’s institution.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme 2027 is 22 September 2026.
Applications must be submitted online and prepared in English or French. Researchers interested in applying should review the official application requirements carefully and ensure that all supporting documents are ready before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested PhD students and early-career academics should submit their applications through the official application process and provide all required documentation.
For further enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact studies.centre@olympic.org.
The IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme offers emerging researchers an opportunity to receive financial support while developing research connected to the Olympic Movement. Beyond the funding, the opportunity to access specialised collections and historical archives in Lausanne can provide valuable resources for researchers working on Olympic-related topics.
Application Deadline: 22 September 2026
Funding: Up to USD 6,000
Location: International / Research opportunity in Lausanne, Switzerland
Eligible Countries: All countries
Application Language: English or French
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
