IOC Launches 2027 PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme for Olympic Studies Researchers Worldwide
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), through its renowned Olympic Studies Centre (OSC), has officially launched the 2027 edition of the PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme. The initiative is designed to support scholars conducting research related to the Olympic Movement, Olympism, the Olympic Games, athletes, sports history, and the wider social and cultural impact of the Olympics across the world.
The programme continues the IOC’s long-standing commitment to advancing academic research and encouraging global scholarly engagement in Olympic studies. Since its establishment in 1999, the grant programme has supported more than 148 researchers from different countries, helping them pursue innovative academic projects while also providing opportunities to access the IOC’s unique collections and historical archives in Lausanne, Switzerland.
For researchers interested in sports history, sociology, international relations, culture, politics, media, education, and other areas linked to Olympism and the Olympic Games, this programme presents a major opportunity to receive institutional recognition and financial support for their academic work.
About the IOC Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme
The IOC Olympic Studies Centre serves as the world’s leading hub for Olympic knowledge and research resources. The centre was created to preserve, develop, and share information related to the Olympic Movement and its influence on society.
Through the PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme, the IOC aims to:
- Encourage high-quality academic research on Olympism and the Olympic Movement
- Promote interdisciplinary studies related to sports and society
- Support young and emerging scholars globally
- Increase global understanding of Olympic values and their societal impact
- Facilitate access to the IOC’s historical archives and collections
The grant programme is open to scholars whose research explores different dimensions of the Olympic Games and Olympic culture. Topics may include:
- Olympic history and heritage
- Athlete development and representation
- Sports governance and policy
- Olympic education and values
- Gender and diversity in sports
- Media and communication in the Olympic Movement
- Social, political, and economic impact of the Olympics
- Olympic legacy and sustainability
- International relations through sports diplomacy
- Cultural influence of the Olympic Games
The programme particularly values research conducted from humanities and social sciences perspectives.
Access to Unique Olympic Research Resources
One of the major advantages of this programme is access to the IOC Olympic Studies Centre’s world-class research resources.
Selected researchers may have the opportunity to visit Lausanne, Switzerland, where they can consult the IOC’s extensive collections, including primary sources and historical archives related to the Olympic Movement.
Researchers will also gain access to the Olympic World Library (OWL), a specialized library catalogue dedicated entirely to Olympic knowledge. The library contains more than 42,000 official and academic publications, making it one of the largest Olympic-related academic collections in the world.
The IOC believes that giving scholars access to these resources helps improve the quality and originality of academic research while preserving Olympic heritage for future generations.
Who Can Apply for the 2027 Research Grant Programme?
The programme is specifically targeted at postgraduate researchers and early career academics involved in Olympic-related studies.
Eligible applicants include:
1. PhD Students
Applicants must currently be enrolled in a PhD degree programme within the humanities or social sciences. Their research must include Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games as at least one of the main areas of focus.
2. Early Career Academics
Academic staff members and postdoctoral fellows are also eligible if they completed their doctorate or equivalent highest degree in or after 2024. In some academic fields, a master’s degree may also qualify as the highest equivalent degree.
This broad eligibility framework allows emerging scholars from different disciplines and countries to participate.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested applicants are required to prepare and submit their application forms directly to the IOC Olympic Studies Centre.
According to the official announcement, all applications and related correspondence must be submitted before:
Deadline: Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official programme rules, guidelines, and application form available on the IOC Olympic Studies Centre website before submitting their applications.
The IOC has also announced that two online information sessions will be organized for researchers intending to apply. These sessions are expected to provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, research expectations, and the overall selection process.
Grant Selection Committee
Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Programme Selection Committee composed of internationally recognized academic experts involved in Olympic studies, alongside representatives from the IOC Olympic Studies Centre.
The committee evaluates applications based on:
- Academic quality
- Originality of the research topic
- Relevance to Olympic studies
- Methodological strength
- Potential contribution to the field
This rigorous review process ensures that the programme supports impactful and high-quality academic work.
Additional Olympic Research Opportunities
Beyond the PhD and Early Career Academics Grant Programme, the IOC also offers the Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme.
This separate programme targets established researchers, including:
- University professors
- Lecturers
- Senior research fellows
Applicants for the advanced programme must hold academic or research appointments and have completed their doctorate.
The IOC has confirmed that applications for the 2027–2029 edition of the Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme will open in October 2026.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The IOC research grant programme has become one of the most respected opportunities for scholars studying sports and society. It not only provides funding support but also offers researchers global academic visibility and access to exclusive Olympic resources.
For young academics seeking to establish themselves in sports studies, sociology, history, or cultural research, this programme could significantly strengthen their academic profile and international research networks.
Researchers interested in applying are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals early and participate in the upcoming online information sessions to better understand the application process.
For more information, applicants can visit the IOC Olympic Studies Centre website or contact the centre directly via email at studies.centre@olympic.org.
Opportunity Category
- Research Grant
Eligible People and Regions
Who Qualifies?
- Current PhD students
- Early career academics
- Academic staff members
- Postdoctoral fellows
- Researchers in humanities and social sciences
Academic Qualifications
- Must be enrolled in a PhD programme OR
- Must have completed a doctorate or equivalent highest degree in or after 2024
- Research must focus on Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games
Eligible Countries/Regions
- Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
Discover more global grant opportunities on OFY here
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