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 25, 2026.

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; candidates should be nominated by another individual who can write compellingly regarding the nominee and their work, accomplishments and impact. Often, the nominator is an expert in the field, a senior administrator or a scientific/research leader.
• 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.
• The nominator and the nominee 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.
• 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

Responsibilities 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. 

Responsibilities of the recipient’s institution:

• Partners with the National Killam Program to host a dedicated event and/or engagement activity for the recipient.
• Discloses 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.

An individual may receive this award only once in a lifetime.

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 kkariyap@uoguelph.ca. Please also visit the Killam Prize web-page.