IOC OSC 2027 Research Grant for PhD Students and Early Career Academics

Are you a PhD student or early career academic researching the Olympic Movement? The IOC Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) 2027 PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme offers full funding to support your work. This grant helps scholars explore topics like Olympic history, athletes, and the Games’ effects on society.

Programme Overview

The IOC Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, runs this grant for the 2027 cycle. It targets researchers in humanities and social sciences who focus on Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games. The programme started accepting applications recently, with a deadline of 22 September 2026.

This opportunity lets winners visit the Olympic Studies Centre. There, they can study primary sources and the IOC historical archives. It aims to build the next generation of Olympic studies experts.

Key Objectives

The grant has clear goals to guide applicants:

1. Support PhD students and early career academics in high-quality Olympic research from a humanities or social sciences view.
2. Enable a research trip to Lausanne for hands-on work with OSC collections.
3. Train new scholars in Olympic studies.

These aims ensure the grant funds projects that add real value to the field.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet specific criteria to apply:

• Current PhD students in humanities or social sciences programs. Your research must cover Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or Olympic Games as a main focus.
• Early career academics or postdoctoral fellows who finished their doctorate (or equivalent, like a master’s in some fields) in 2024 or later. This includes academic staff with recent degrees.

Proof of your status is required, such as enrollment letters for PhD students or appointment letters for early career academics.

Grant Benefits

Winners receive up to USD 6,000, based on their full application review. The selection committee decides the exact amount. Covered costs include:

• Economy class travel and living expenses tied to the project or archive visits in Lausanne.
• Translation of key research materials.
• Web hosting and content creation.
• Software not available from your university.
• Data collection, like workshops or focus groups.
• Other justified research costs.

Knowledge-sharing expenses, such as conference fees or publication costs, get up to USD 1,500 total. Research assistance or transcription usually does not qualify without strong reasons.

How to Apply

Submit your application in English or French. Include these items:

1. The official application form, filled out with care. Check the instructions and tips provided.
2. Proof of status on university letterhead:

• PhD students: Current enrollment proof covering the grant period.
• Early career academics: Proof of your university role.

3. A recommendation letter on institutional letterhead. It comes from your supervisor (PhD students) or mentor (early career academics). They must sign and send it.

The process ensures only complete files get considered.

Important Dates and Resources

Mark your calendar for the 22 September 2026 deadline. For full details, visit the official IOC webpage on the OSC PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme. This site has forms, tips, and updates straight from the source. Start preparing now to strengthen your Olympic research.

Frequently Asked Questions