IOC Olympic Studies Research Grant Programme 2027 for PhD Students and Early Career Academics
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Applications are now open for the IOC Olympic Studies Research Grant Programme 2027, an international research funding opportunity for PhD students and early career academics working on Olympic-related research topics.
Launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its Olympic Studies Centre (OSC), the programme supports researchers studying Olympism, the Olympic Games, sports history, athlete representation, sports governance, media, culture, and the broader social impact of sports.
This programme is ideal for researchers in humanities and social sciences who want to strengthen their academic work, gain international recognition, and access unique Olympic research resources and archives.
Since its launch in 1999, the programme has supported researchers from around the world and continues to promote high-quality academic research connected to the Olympic Movement.
Program Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | IOC Olympic Studies Research Grant Programme 2027 |
| Host Organization | International Olympic Committee (IOC) |
| Program Type | Research Grant Programme |
| Funding Type | Research Grant |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD Students and Early Career Academics |
| Eligible Fields | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Application Deadline | 22 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
About the Programme
The IOC Olympic Studies Centre is one of the world’s leading hubs for Olympic research, academic resources, and historical archives related to the Olympic Movement.
The programme aims to:
- Support high-quality Olympic-related research
- Encourage interdisciplinary academic studies
- Promote global scholarly engagement
- Strengthen research on sports and society
- Provide access to Olympic archives and collections
Research topics may include:
- Olympic history and heritage
- Sports governance and policy
- Athlete representation
- Gender and diversity in sports
- Olympic education and values
- Media and communication
- Social and cultural impact of sports
- Olympic sustainability and legacy
- International relations through sports diplomacy
Access to Olympic Research Resources
Selected researchers may receive access to the IOC Olympic Studies Centre resources in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Participants can explore:
| Research Resources | Details |
|---|---|
| IOC Archives | Historical Olympic records and collections |
| Olympic World Library | Over 42,000 Olympic-related publications |
| Academic Resources | Specialized research materials |
| International Research Network | Global academic collaboration opportunities |
These resources help researchers improve the quality and originality of their academic work.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
PhD Students
- Must currently be enrolled in a PhD programme
- Research must focus on Olympism or Olympic-related studies
Early Career Academics
- Academic staff members or postdoctoral fellows
- Must have completed a doctorate or equivalent degree in or after 2024
The programme is open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Academic quality
- Originality of research topic
- Relevance to Olympic studies
- Research methodology
- Potential contribution to the field
Applications are evaluated by an international academic selection committee and IOC representatives.
Additional Research Opportunities
The IOC also offers the Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme for established researchers including:
- University professors
- Lecturers
- Senior research fellows
Applications for the advanced programme are expected to open in October 2026.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The IOC Olympic Studies Research Grant Programme is one of the most respected opportunities for scholars researching sports, society, history, culture, and international relations connected to the Olympic Movement.
Participants gain:
- International academic visibility
- Access to exclusive Olympic archives
- Research funding support
- Opportunities for global networking
- Recognition within Olympic studies research communities
The programme is especially valuable for young researchers aiming to build strong international academic careers.
Application Process
Interested applicants must complete and submit the official application form before the deadline.
Researchers are encouraged to carefully review programme guidelines and participate in the upcoming online information sessions organized by the IOC.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-studies-centre |
| Official Website | https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-studies-centre |
Final Words
The IOC Olympic Studies Research Grant Programme 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for PhD students and early career academics interested in Olympic studies, sports history, culture, governance, and social impact research.
With international recognition, access to unique Olympic archives, and opportunities for global academic collaboration, the programme provides a strong platform for researchers seeking to advance their academic careers in sports and Olympic studies.
