The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opened applications for its 2027 PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme. This grant supports young scholars studying the Olympic Movement, Olympism, Olympic Games, athletes, sports history, and their effects on society. If you are a PhD student or new academic interested in these topics, this could fund your work and give you access to rare resources.
What the Programme Offers
The IOC Olympic Studies Centre runs this grant to build knowledge about the Olympics. It has helped over 148 researchers since 1999. Grantees can visit archives in Lausanne, Switzerland, and use the Olympic World Library, which holds more than 42,000 publications.
The programme pushes for strong research in areas like sports and society. It welcomes studies from humanities and social sciences. Goals include better Olympic education, global understanding of Olympic values, and work on sports governance.
Key Research Topics
Researchers can focus on several areas linked to the Olympics:
- 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.
These topics allow for fresh ideas on how the Olympics shape the world.
Who Is Eligible
This grant targets early-stage scholars worldwide.
PhD students qualify if they are enrolled in a humanities or social sciences programme. Their work must cover Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or Olympic Games as a main focus.
Early career academics include those who finished their doctorate or highest degree in 2024 or later. Postdocs and academic staff fit here too. In some fields, a master’s may count as the top degree.
How to Apply
Download the application form from the IOC Olympic Studies Centre website. Submit it with your details before the deadline: Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
Two online information sessions will help applicants. They cover rules, what judges look for, and tips. Check the IOC site for dates and how to join.
Send all materials to [email protected].
Selection Process
A committee of Olympic studies experts and IOC staff reviews entries. They check for:
- High academic quality.
- New ideas.
- Fit with Olympic studies.
- Strong methods.
- Value to the field.
Only the best projects get funded.
Other IOC Grants
The IOC also has an Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme for senior scholars like professors. Applications open in October 2026 for 2027-2029.
This programme helps established researchers with Olympic topics. It shows the IOC’s full support for all levels of study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the IOC 2027 Research Grant Programme?
PhD students enrolled in humanities or social sciences programmes focused on Olympism or the Olympic Movement qualify. Early career academics who finished their highest degree in 2024 or later, including postdocs, are also eligible.
What research topics does the grant cover?
Topics include Olympic history, athlete development, sports governance, Olympic education, gender and diversity, media, social impacts, legacy, sports diplomacy, and cultural influence.
How do I apply for the grant?
Download the form from the IOC Olympic Studies Centre website and submit it with your details to [email protected] before the deadline.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is Tuesday, 22 September 2026. Check the IOC site for online information sessions to learn more.
Conversation
0 Comments