Olympic Studies Centre Opens 2027 Research Grant

The Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Research Grant Programme. The deadline for submissions is September 22, 2026. This annual programme is designed for PhD students and early-career academics conducting scholarly research related to the Olympic Movement, its history, ideals, and its impact on contemporary society and culture.

Successful applicants will receive a research grant of up to USD $6,000. According to the source, the final amount awarded will be determined by the Grant Programme Selection Committee after reviewing all applications. A key component of the grant is the facilitation of a research and study visit to the OSC in Lausanne, Switzerland, providing access to its collections and the IOC historical archives.

Eligibility Requirements

Two primary groups are eligible to apply. First, PhD students enrolled in a humanities or social sciences programme must have Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games as a central research focus. They must remain enrolled for the entire grant period, from application submission to the delivery of a final report. Their proposed project must clearly contribute to their doctoral thesis.

The second eligible group is Early Career Academics (ECA). This category includes academic staff and postdoctoral fellows who completed their highest degree in or after 2024. They must also hold a university appointment covering the full duration of the grant. The programme aims to support this next generation of scholars and build excellence in Olympic-related research.

Application Process and Documents

All application materials must be submitted in either French or English. A complete application file requires several specific documents. The official application form must be duly completed. Proof of registration is also mandatory.

A signed letter of recommendation from the applicant's supervisor or mentor is required. The source states the Selection Committee is particularly interested in the recommender's assessment of the project's scholarly significance, its originality and methodology, its potential impact on the Olympic Movement, and the candidate's abilities and likelihood of timely completion.

If the research involves human subjects, fieldwork, or human data, a certificate of approval from the applicant's university ethics committee must be included. Applicants are also asked to note guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence tools and to disclose if they used AI in developing their application.

Programme Objectives and Focus

The programme has three core objectives. It seeks to support PhD students and early-career academics directly. It aims to help access to the OSC's unique resources in Lausanne. Finally, it is designed to build the next generation of scholars in the field of Olympic studies.

The research must maintain a humanities or social sciences perspective. The focus is on the Olympic Movement, its history and ideals, and the varied impact of the Olympic Games on society and culture. The grant supports both the financial and archival needs of emerging researchers in this niche academic field.

All supporting documentation must be submitted by the September 2026 deadline for consideration for the 2027 grant cycle.