New edition of the OSC’s Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme launched

Since 2014, the OSC Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme has supported humanities and social sciences research on priority areas co-defined with International Olympic Committee (IOC) departments. It helps turn research into practical insights that inform better policy- and decision-making, and fosters collaboration between the IOC and the global academic community.

The priority areas for the 2027/2029 edition of the programme are directly linked to objectives within the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” strategy. By funding independent, rigorous research, the programme aims to provide evidence to track progress towards achieving those objectives, demonstrate impact and inform future decisions.

Apply to the 2027/2029 Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme

What are the 2027/2029 priority research areas?

Athletes

• Olympic athletes’ awareness of and readiness for career transition and livelihood development in developing countries.

Olympic Games

• How people experience, engage with and participate in the Games, and how value is created for athletes, fans, partners and other stakeholders in the future Olympic Games proposition.
• Environmental sustainability of the Olympic Games.

Olympic Movement

• Gambling incidence among elite athletes in the Olympic Movement.
• Perception of corruption in sport and competition manipulation – focus on reporting.

Olympic social impact

• Refugee athletes, sport and humanitarian action.
• Expanding and sustaining participation and retention in sport.
• Using evidence to inform investment, policy and decision-making in sport-based programmes.
• Understanding the transfer of skills, competencies and values from sport to social inclusion and economic opportunity.
• Culturally grounded athlete, coach and sport official development.
• The role of academia in designing, implementing, adapting and measuring Olympic education programmes across different cultural and local contexts.

Who can apply?

University professors and researchers who have completed their doctorate and who currently hold an academic or research appointment/affiliation covering the period of the grant. Applicants must be fluent in either English or French, and may apply on an individual basis or as a team. Joint applications by multidisciplinary team are welcome.

How to apply

Download and fill in the expression of interest form. The completed application form and appendices must be submitted via our secure portal.

The full programme rules, including more information on priority fields of research, are available on the OSC website.

What do successful applicants receive?

Successful applicants will receive a research grant of up to USD 40,000 per project.

What is the deadline for submission?

Completed application files must be submitted by 11 January 2027.

When does the selection process conclude?

Applicants will be notified of the results of their application in June 2027. 

Who is involved in the selection process?

The Selection Committee is composed of academic experts internationally renowned for their involvement in Olympic studies. Relevant IOC departments and a selection of peer reviewers are also involved. Full details of the assessment and selection process can be found here.

What other Olympic Studies Centre research opportunities are available?

Postgraduate students enrolled in a PhD degree programme within the human and/or social sciences and academic staff members and postdoctoral fellows who have recently completed their doctorate or equivalent highest degree are eligible to apply to the PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme. Visit the OSC website for eligibility criteria and details of the forthcoming edition, which will be launched in April 2027.

What OSC resources assist your research?

We invite you to explore the Olympic World Library, our dedicated Olympic knowledge catalogue that comprises more than 42,000 official and academic publications. You can also find an overview of the IOC historical archives via the OSC.

For more information on the IOC OSC, its resources, services and programmes, visit our website or contact studies.centre@olympic.org.

Apply to the 2027/2029 Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme