February 2026
Bengt Nybelius, together with Risto Keskitalo, the founder of the European Athlete as Student Network (EAS), was a brilliant mind, who settled the objectives and the structure of the organisation in 2004. He passed away in 2011, and EAS decided to establish a scholarship to carry on the legacy of his work. Therefore, we are happy to announce the Call for Paper of the “2026 Bengt Nybelius Scholarship”
Aims of the Bengt Nybelius Scholarship
The aim of the Bengt Nybelius Scholarship is to facilitate the integration of outstanding scholars and young researchers in the area of dual career.
Eligibility to the Bengt Nybelius Scholarship
Regardless the nationality and country of residence, researchers up to 40 years of age could be eligible for the Bengt Nybelius Scholarship.
Requirements to apply to the 2026 Bengt Nybelius Scholarship
Applicants must submit as first author an original manuscript related to the scope of EAS. Manuscripts must not contain information presented in other manuscripts published elsewhere.
The manuscript should be written in English, between 15 and 30 pages double-spaced in Arial font size 11, including title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions, acknowledgments (if applicable), references, tables, figures and legends, and statement of conflicts of interest.
Manuscripts must be accompanied by a cover letter, stating clearly why the work is considered suitable for the Bengt Nybelius Scholarship and explaining the importance of the study.
Selection of the 2026 Bengt Nybelius Scholarship Winner
The Board of EAS will consider the quality of submitted manuscripts and notify the winner by July 31, 2026. The winner will have to summarize her/his work with a 15-minute oral presentation in English at the 2026 Annual EAS Conference in Oulu, Finland, October 5-7.
EAS will arrange travel, accommodation, and registration of the Bengt Nybelius Scholarship winner.
Application to the 2026 Bengt Nybelius Scholarship
To be considered for the 2026 Bengt Nybelius Scholarship applicants before July 1th, 2026 (midnight CET) must submit by e-mail to info@dualcareer.eu, including:
- – A copy of the manuscript (PDF)
- – An abstract, 1 page, about 2400 characters
- – Curriculum vitae and list of publications (if there are others)
Requests of further information, if needed, could be addressed to info@dualcareer.eu. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
On behalf of the Board of EAS
Laura Capranica
As part of the strategic and operational preparation for the 23rd Annual Conference of the European Athlete Student – Dual Career Network (EAS), three members of the EAS Executive Committee, Ole Keldorf, António Figueiredo,and Risto Keskitalo (local organizer), conducted an official institutional visit to Oulu, Finland, the European Capital of Culture 2026 (https://www.ouka.fi/en).
Risto Keskitalo, played a fundamental role in facilitating communication between the EAS delegation and the local organizing partners in the organizational process of the conference, allowing for an in-depth evaluation of local conditions, facilities, and partnerships, and ensuring that all logistical, academic, and institutional requirements will be fully aligned with the standards and expectations of the EAS community.
To finalize the terms of the agreement between the European Athlete Student – Dual Career Network and the Kastelli Upper Secondary School (https://www.ouka.fi/kastellin-lukio), a formal working meeting was organized with members of the local organizing committee, Director Pekka Fredriksson and Principal Jani Syrjälä, who represent key educational and municipal stakeholders in Oulu. The discussions were characterized by a strong spirit of collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to promoting excellence in dual career development for athlete students across Europe.
The Hotel Lasaretti (https://lasaretti.com/en/) has been selected to host the 23rd EAS Annual Conference, which is situated in a unique and culturally rich environment, combining modern conference infrastructure with a distinctive architectural and historical character. Oulu also offer several accommodation solutions capable of hosting the diverse group of conference participants, guaranteeing accessibility, service quality, flexible booking options, and proximity to the conference venue.
The outcomes of this visit reinforce Oulu’s position as an outstanding host city for the EAS Annual Conference and highlight the city’s strong engagement with dual career policies and practices. With preparations now firmly underway, the EAS community looks forward with great anticipation to gathering in Oulu in October 2026 for what promises to be a high-quality, impactful, and inspiring conference dedicated to the advancement of dual career support for athlete students across Europe.
REG. NUMBER: Voluntary Organisation registration VO/1270
PIC NUMBER: 913459865
Email: info@dualcareer.eu