Search Website
Molson Prizes 2027
This pre-call framework is based on previous competitions and is therefore subject to change as new information is provided by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Presented by the Canada Council for the Arts, two Molson Prizes valued at $50,000 each are awarded annually to encourage continuing contributions to Canada's cultural and intellectual heritage. One is given in the arts, and one in the social sciences or humanities.
The Canada Council is committed to equity and inclusion, and encourages applications and nominations from culturally diverse, deaf, disabled, and official language minority artists, groups and organizations.
Eligibility
These prizes are for individual candidates. Nominees must:
- be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, but do not need to be residing in Canada.
- be living as of the nomination deadline.
- have made a substantial and distinguished contribution over a significant period.
- still be active and productive in their careers.
Nomination Process
A complete nomimation package will consist of:
- The online nomination form
- Citation identifying the nominee's body of research (1-2 sentences);
- letter of nomination containing original signature (2 pages) that includes a brief description of the nature of the nominee’s distinguished contributions to their field, including why they should be considered for the prize
- one-page biography of the candidate, summarizing education, achievements, professional activities, and honours or awards received
- The nominee's current CV (10 pages maximum)
- Three original signed letters of support from experts in the field
- Up to three written support items (max 4 pages each) from sources other than the nominee; e.g., articles, reviews, commentaries and promotional items
Guidelines and nomination forms
Assessment
Nominations will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:
- Merit (50%)
- The quality of the candidate’s overall career achievements and, where appropriate, the international stature of the candidate. /50
- Impact (50%)
- The scope of the candidate’s contributions to the cultural or intellectual heritage of Canada, taking into account the context of their artistic discipline or academic field of study. /15
- Evidence of the candidate’s outstanding commitment, creativity and effort to share research and knowledge beyond the artistic or academic community. /15
- The candidate’s influence or that of their work with regard to enriching and evolving current thinking and practice in their area of expertise. /10
- The candidate’s contributions towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive society. /10
Program Resources
EDID Supports
Western Research offers support and resources for knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Research, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.
Institutional Coordination & Support
Nominations supported by Awards & Distinctions will receive the following:
- Assistance with identifying suitable referees.
- Support for developing all written materials, and providing feedback and review (including access to templates, frameworks, and other resources).
- Assistance with navigating and completing required forms and documents.
- Document management: collecting and compiling all letters, forms, and written documents for submission to the Gairdner Nomination Portal.
EDID Supports
Western Research offers support and resources for knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Research, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.
Submission
Please submit nominations through the Canada Council's Portal.
Deadline(s)
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
July 29, 2026 |
Email Notice of Intent to Nominate to rwprizes@uwo.ca if you wish to have Western Research support and coordination of your nomination. |
|
September 23, 2026 |
For full review and feedback, submit drafts (Word version) of all of your required nomination documents noted above to rwprizes@uwo.ca. |
|
October 7, 2026 |
Submission to Canada Council's Portal. |
Contact Us
Potential nominators and nominees are encouraged to contact Research Awards & Distinctions at rwprizes@uwo.ca regarding Western Research support and coordination of your nomination.