National Killam Program - Killam Prizes

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Administered by the National Research Council of Canada as part of the National Killam Program, the Killam Prizes are among Canada’s most prestigious and distinguished research awards. Five unrestricted, non-taxable prizes of $100,000 are awarded annually to provide support to Canadian scholars of exceptional ability who are actively engaged in research of broad significance and widespread interest. One prize is awarded in each of the following fields: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Candidates must be nominated by another individual who can provide compelling details regarding the nominee and their work, accomplishments, and impact.

More Information

Eligibility

Candidates must be Canadian citizens must have made a substantial and distinguished contribution, over a significant period, to scholarly research in Canada. Their outstanding achievements must have been clearly demonstrated already, and they are expected to make further contributions to the scholarly and scientific heritage of Canada.

Scholars may not self-nominate for the Killam Prizes; candidates must be nominated by another individual who can provide compelling details regarding the nominee and their work, accomplishments, and impact .

Nomination Process

A complete nomination package will consist of the following:

  • the nomination form
  • signed nomination letter (max. 1000 words) that provides a description of the nature of the nominee’s research and distinguished contributions, including why s/he should be considered for the prize and the nature of the relationship with the nominee;
  • one-page biography (500 words) of the nominee, summarizing education, distinguished research achievements, current research interests, and honours and awards;
  • three supporting letters from experts in the nominee's field (1000 words each)
  • nominee’s CV (max. 30 pages), which should include the following subheadings:
    • publications 
    • presentations
    • honours and awards
    • funding history
    • other international recognition
    • career metrics (can be in table format)
  • Proof of eligibility - nominators and nominees attest that eligibility requirements have been met.

NOTE: To reduce the potential for unconscious bias in the evaluation process, Nominators and Referees are asked to please refer to nominees consistently by their surname(s), use gender-neutral pronouns, and remove institutional letterhead (Referee Letters only).

Resources

Dedicated support and resources for Indigenous research and Equity Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization in research are provided through the Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact team. You can access tailored and curated resources through our webpages (EDID, Indigenous Resources, Knowledge Mobilization) and you can also complete a request for support form to request a consultation and additional assistance. If you are unsure if your nomination involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact the team early for determination and support.

Submission

Nominations may be submitted electronically through the National Killam Program portal.

Deadline(s)

Notice of Intent to Nominate: April 14, 2025

  • Email rwprizes@uwo.ca if you wish to have Western Research support and coordination of your nomination

Final Submission deadline: May 29, 2025

Contact

Interested parties are encouraged to consult with Awards & Distinctions (rwprizes@uwo.ca) in Western Research regarding this award and the nomination processes.