Sponsor
National Research Council
Program
Dorothy Killam Fellowship
Description
The Dorothy Killam Fellowships provide time release to support scholars (faculty) of exceptional ability who are engaged in research projects of broad significance and widespread interest within the disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, or studies linking any of these disciplines.
A Dorothy Killam Fellow is a leading researcher whose superior, ground-breaking, best-in-class research stands to have significant impact on a national or global scale. A Fellow is someone who also reflects some of the Killam attributes:
- Inclusive collaborator
- Barrier breaker
- Research leader
The 2026 program cycle will open on March 26, 2025.
Eligibility
The Dorothy Killam Fellowships support scholars who:
- demonstrate commitment to building Canada’s future and alignment with Killam attributes.
- are mid-career researchers who usually completed their PhD no more than 15 years prior, though special circumstances may result in applicants being more or less than 15 years post-PhD.
- are employed at a Canadian research institution and will be employed for the duration of the fellowship (2 years) with proof of employment.
Typically, a Fellowship recipient is a faculty member at a Canadian university with significant teaching and/or administrative responsibilities. Applicants must not have already been awarded a fellowship from the Killam Program of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Prize
$80,000/year for two years.
Between 5 and 8 fellowships will be awarded annually. Fellowships are intended as release time from teaching and administrative duties. They are awarded to individuals, but the funds are paid to and administered by the Canadian university or research institute that employs them. You must obtain support for research and laboratory costs from other sources.
A Dorothy Killam Fellowship provides 2 full years of release time typically beginning no later than January 1, 2027, following notification of the fellowship in early 2026. Support may not be requested for less than the full 2-year fellowship period. The support for the second year depends on provision and approval of an interim research report.
Special Notes
Please note: To facilitate expert review, a preliminary research abstract is now required and must be submitted through the portal by April 30, 2025.
Virtual Information Sessions:
The National Killam Program is hosting virtual information sessions regarding the National Killam Program on [English] Feb 26 (1PM - 2PM EST) and [French] Mar 5 (1PM - 2PM EST). These sessions will provide an overview of the National Killam Program, general advice on developing strong submission packages, and information on program changes in 2026 including a new preliminary abstract component for the Dorothy Killam Fellowships. If you are able to attend, please RSVP at KillamProgram-ProgrammeKillam@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca indicating your full name, preferred date of participation and any accessibility requirements.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | As this Fellowship involves release time, you must seek approval from your School Director/Department Chair in order to apply. A short letter from your chair indicating support for your application and agreeing to the terms of the fellowship must be received by RSO (ailsakay@uoguelph.ca) by the internal deadline. | |
External Deadline | Please submit your application package to the National Killam Program - National Research Council Canada online portal by the external deadline. Please also submit a signed OR-5 and your application package to research.services@uoguelph.ca by the external deadline. Nominations must have received institutional endorsement prior to submission (see internal deadline). |
How to Apply
If you would like to apply please email RSO (ailsakay@uoguelph.ca) and your CRM to let them know of your intention to apply.
As this Fellowship involves release time, you must seek approval from your School Director/Department Chair in order to apply. A short letter from your chair indicating support for your application and agreeing to the terms of the fellowship must be received by RSO (ailsakay@uoguelph.ca) by internal deadline.
Complete your fellowship application package. Submit your application package to the National Killam Program - National Research Council Canada online portal by the external deadline. Please also submit a signed OR-5 and your application package to research.services@uoguelph.ca by the external deadline.
Nominations must have received institutional endorsement prior to submission.
For More Information
For more information, please contact ailsakay@uoguelph.ca or refer to the National Killam Program - National Research Council Canada website.