Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme 2027: Support for PhD Students and Early Career Academics

The Olympic Studies Centre is offering a research grant programme for PhD students and early career academics. This opportunity aims to support scholarly research on the Olympic Movement, its history, ideals, and societal impact. Applications are open to individuals with a focus on humanities and social sciences related to Olympism.

Application Closing Date: September 22, 2026
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Programme Duration: To be determined by the grant
Stipend: Up to USD $6,000
Opportunity Type: Research Grant

About the Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme

The Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) organizes this annual research grant programme to foster excellence in Olympic-related research. It is designed for PhD students and early career academics who are engaged in scholarly work concerning the Olympic Movement. The programme supports research from a humanities and/or social sciences perspective.

A key aspect of this grant is the opportunity for successful applicants to conduct a research and study visit at the Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland. This visit allows for the consultation of the OSC’s extensive collections, including primary sources and historical archives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The goal is to support the next generation of scholars in the field of Olympic studies.

About the Olympic Studies Centre

The Olympic Studies Centre is dedicated to promoting and coordinating Olympic studies worldwide. It serves as a hub for research and knowledge related to the Olympic Movement, its history, and its impact. The Centre facilitates access to valuable archival materials and supports academic inquiry into various facets of Olympism and the Olympic Games.

Available Research Areas

This grant programme is open to research projects focusing on Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games. Projects should have a clear connection to the humanities and/or social sciences. The research should demonstrate a significant contribution to the candidate’s doctoral thesis or postdoctoral work.

What the Grant Offers

Successful applicants will receive a research grant of up to USD $6,000. The exact amount awarded will be determined by the Grant Programme Selection Committee based on the application’s merits. This funding is intended to support the research activities of PhD students and early career academics.

In addition to financial support, the grant provides access to the Olympic Studies Centre’s collections. This includes historical archives and primary sources, which are invaluable for in-depth research on the Olympic Movement. The programme also offers the chance to engage with the academic community in Lausanne.

Programme Duration and Location

The duration of the research visit and the overall grant period will depend on the specific research project and the decisions made by the Selection Committee. Applicants must remain enrolled in their PhD program or hold a university appointment covering the grant period. The research visit will take place at the Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include:

• For PhD Students: Current enrollment in a PhD degree program with a humanities and/or social sciences perspective, where Olympism, the Olympic Movement, or the Olympic Games is a research focus. Students must remain enrolled throughout the grant period.
• For Early Career Academics (ECA): Completion of a doctorate or equivalent highest degree in or after 2024, with a humanities and/or social sciences perspective. ECAs must hold a university appointment that covers the grant period.
• Research Focus: The proposed project must demonstrate a clear contribution to the candidate’s doctoral thesis or academic research.
• Language: Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in either French or English.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not listed as formal requirements, the Selection Committee will assess several points. These include the scholarly significance of the research project, the methodology, the originality of the study, and its potential impact on the Olympic Movement. The candidate’s training, abilities, achievements, and motivation are also important considerations.

Who Should Apply?

This grant programme is ideal for PhD students and early career academics who are passionate about Olympic studies. It is suited for those who wish to conduct in-depth research on the history, ideals, and societal impact of the Olympic Movement. Applicants should have a strong academic background in the humanities or social sciences and a clear research proposal that aligns with the programme’s objectives.

Required Documents

Completed application files must include the following:

• Official application form, duly completed.
• Proof of registration (for PhD students) or proof of university appointment (for ECAs) covering the grant period.
• A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor (for PhD students) or mentor (for ECAs).
• If applicable, a certificate stating that the project has been approved by the university’s ethics committee, especially for research involving human subjects or fieldwork.
• Disclosure regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the application.

How to Apply

Applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted in either French or English. Applicants should download and complete the official application form. Ensure all required supporting documents are gathered, including proof of registration or appointment and a letter of recommendation. If your research involves human subjects, obtain ethics committee approval. Submit your completed application file by the deadline of September 22, 2026. For more detailed information, refer to the official rules or visit the Olympic Studies Centre website.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants are encouraged to review the official rules and guidelines carefully before submitting their application. Ensure all documents are accurate and complete. Late applications may not be considered. Applicants should also note the guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and disclose any usage.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Olympic Studies Centre PhD Students & Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme 2027 is September 22, 2026.

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