The Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new edition of its Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme, an initiative aimed at established researchers working in areas related to the Olympic Games. The main objective of the programme is to promote advanced research in the humanities or social sciences, focused on the strategic priorities defined by the IOC.
For the 2025/2027 edition, priority research areas include cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence and sport, elite youth athlete development, the impact of esports, athlete safeguarding and mental health, the role of sports coaches, and the contribution of sport and Olympism to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO CAN APPLY AND HOW
The programme is aimed at university professors and researchers with a PhD and current academic affiliation during the fellowship period. Candidates can apply as individuals or in teams. Applications, together with the required documents, must be submitted to the OSC by 27 January 2025.
The programme rules, the full list of priority areas and the application form are available on the IOC website. The selection process will be conducted by a committee composed of international academic experts, together with selected reviewers from relevant IOC departments.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the programme for established researchers, the IOC also offers the PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme, aimed at PhD students and academics who have completed their PhD within the last three years. This programme aims to encourage early-stage research in the humanities and social sciences.
The OSC also makes available to researchers unique resources such as the Olympic World Library (OWL), which contains nearly 40,000 academic and official publications related to the Olympic Movement, and the IOC’s historical archives. These resources are key to the development of rigorous and relevant research in the Olympic field.
OLYMPIC KNOWLEDGE WITH RESEARCH
With these initiatives, the IOC reinforces its commitment to the academic development of the Olympic Movement, promoting studies that not only explore its many dimensions, but also help to address contemporary challenges in global sport. Interested researchers can obtain more information on the Olympic Studies Centre website or by contacting the team directly at studies.centre@olympic.org.
This programme not only represents a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge of sport and Olympism, but also highlights how academic research can contribute to the sustainable development and well-being of sporting communities around the world.
