Sponsor
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Program
Killam Prize
Description
The Killam Prizes are awarded to active Canadian scholars who have made a substantial and distinguished contribution, over a significant period, to their respective fields in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences or engineering. The Killam Prizes are intended to honour distinguished Canadian scholars who have been engaged in research in universities, hospitals, research or scientific institutes or other similar institutions.
Normally, one (1) prize is awarded each year in each of five (5) disciplines. They are awarded annually, on a competitive basis, for research done in any of the following disciplines:
- humanities
- social sciences
- natural sciences
- health sciences
- engineering
The 2026 program cycle opens on March 26, 2025.
Eligibility
Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to achieving research excellence. The National Killam Program encourages nominations of candidates whose research has consequence and impact, setting precedents and yielding transformative results that serve to build Canada’s future through advanced study.
Below are eligibility criteria to consider when submitting a nomination:
- Individual nominations may include nomination for multiple categories, but an individual may only be awarded the Killam Prize in 1 category.
- No individual may be awarded a Killam Prize more than once.
- Self-nominations are not permitted for the Killam Prize; only nominations by experts in their field.
- Killam Prizes are intended for active (not retired) Canadian scholars who have made a substantial and distinguished contribution, over a significant period, to scholarly research. A Killam Prize is not intended as an “end-of-service” reward, as a recognition for a single great accomplishment, or in expectation of future distinguished contributions.
- Only Canadian citizens or scholars working and living in Canada are eligible, and the prizes are awarded only to living candidates.
- National Killam Program Office employees, members of the National Killam Program Advisory Board, or the Selection Committee may not be nominated during their term as members, and for 1 year following the end of their term.
- A nominator may resubmit a nomination for a specific nominee as many times as desired. However, a new nomination package is required for any subsequent nomination.
Note that meeting the eligibility criteria allows candidates to be nominated for a Killam Prize. However, it does not guarantee prize receipt. The National Killam Program Office retains the right to interpret the contents of the nomination guidelines and form.
Prize
The Killam Prize is valued at $100,000. Prize recipients should contact the Canada Revenue Agency or their provincial or territorial revenue department with any tax-related questions.
Special Notes
Recipients of the Killam Prize:
- must confirm acceptance of the prize and agree to keep the results confidential until the National Killam Program Office makes its official announcement.
- consent to disclose any information that may constitute a significant departure from generally-recognized standards of public behaviour and which is seen to undermine the public reputation of the National Killam Program.
- must agree to allow their photographs and public information to be used for promotion of the prize and in other National Killam Program promotional material.
- are expected to participate in prize-related events and activities, which could include, but are not limited to: news conferences, award ceremonies and receptions, and to make themselves available for media interviews.
- are also asked to provide copyright permission for the use of reproductions or clips of their work on collateral and press materials associated with the Killam Prize, and on the Killam Trusts’, the National Research Council of Canada’s and partner websites and social media channels.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
External Deadline | Nominations may be submitted through the National Killam Program Portal. Please also submit a copy of the full nomination dossier to research.services@uoguelph.ca. 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. |
How to Apply
Nominations must be submitted directly on the KILLAM Laureates website. Further information regarding nomination criteria can be found on the KILLAM Laureates website.
Please also submit a copy of the full nomination and OR-5 to research.services@uoguelph.ca.
For More Information
For more information, contact ailsakay@uoguelph.ca. Please also visit the Killam Prize web-page.