Dorothy Killam Research Fellowships 2026

The National Killam Program is privately funded through the generous contribution of Dorothy J. Killam to build Canada's future by encouraging advanced study.

These Fellowships, which are administered by the National Killam Program, provide support to scholars of exceptional ability who are engaged in research projects of broad significance and widespread interest. Dorothy Killam Fellows are leading researchers whose superior, ground-breaking, best-in-class research stands to have significant impact on a national or global scale. Between 5-8 Fellowships are awarded annually, on a competitive basis.  They are valued at $80,000 CAD per year for a total of up to $160,000 for 2 years.

A Dorothy Killam Fellow is relieved of teaching and some administrative duties for the period of the fellowship. The funds are intended to assist the institution in covering the costs of the replacement of the applicant while still paying regular salary and benefits during the 2-year fellowship period. Recipients must obtain support for research and laboratory costs from other sources. All fellowship dispersals are administered to the existing research institution of the applicant.

Eligibility

Typically, a Fellowship recipient is a professor at a Canadian university with significant teaching and/or administrative responsibilities. To be eligible, applicants:

  • must be in the early-to-mid stage in their career (typically no more than 15 years since the completion of a PhD)
  • must be employed by a university or other research institute for the duration of the fellowship (2 years) and will submit a proof of employment
  • may not have already been awarded a fellowship from the Killam Program 

Candidates apply to the National Killam Program directly, however, the institution must provide an attestation that:

  • confirms you are an eligible candidate
  • confirms your employment, and
  • agrees to accept and administer the Dorothy Killam Fellowship funds under the terms set out by the National Killam Program

Application Process

Applicants must create a profile, complete the  and must provide the following details for Institution Contact so your application may be approved by 深夜福利站:

The following documents and information will be required to complete your application:

  • Preliminary Research Abstract (150 words)
    • To facilitate expert review, a preliminary research abstract is now required and must be submitted through the portal by April 30, 2025.
  • Final Research Abstract (250 words)
    • provide a brief, plain-language summary of the research being proposed.
  • Research Proposal (1500 words + up to 5 pages for references)
    • Include what is planned to be achieved, a description of the approach, and how it advances knowledge in the field
    • Describe the proposed impact and some possible indicators that the applicant could use to measure their research outcomes
    • Knowledge Mobilization Plans
      • Including non-traditional ways to disseminate knowledge and information. Some examples of non-traditional dissemination channels may include: videos, blogs, podcasts, performances
      • number of policies influenced or informed, or number of patents or IP secured
      • community engagement initiatives, media production, or educational mentorship programs
      • personal commitment to training or plans for participation in research initiatives with underrepresented communities
      • datasets made available, software, and/or protocols developed
    • How fellowship funding will enable the exploration of a new area of research/new project
  • Candidate Statement (1000 words)
    • Applications must indicate how the work demonstrates or reflects one or more of the following Killam principles:
      • Inclusive collaborator - whose work exemplifies inclusion and understanding of people, cultures and needs with participation among all economic, social and cultural backgrounds
      • Barrier breaker - whose original, transformational, future-focused generation of knowledge and technology stands to change the way we live
      • Research leader - who activates thoughtful cooperation among scholars, disciplines and institutions to create a multiplier effect within the research ecosystem
    • Information on how the researcher would benefit from the release time at this moment in their career
  • Community Research Statement (optional, 500 words)
    • Description of existing relationships with a community/ies.
    • Information on any permissions conferred to carry out the research.
    • Description of the role of community members in shaping the research question(s) as well as the role community members play in contributing to, sharing, or applying research findings.
    • Description of how the proposed research contributes to, or is expected to contribute to, positive outcomes, benefits to the community, or change in policy or practice following research completion.
  • Current CV (30 pages)
    • Including information on all publications, presentations, and grants and other fellowships received, awards and/or general recognition
  • Reference Letters (1000 words each)
    • Reference letters from up to 2 individuals are required
    • Research Awards & Distinctions can contact your referees, collect letters and upload them to the Killam portal
    • Killam has requested referees use the applicant’s surname only, gender-neutral pronouns, and do not come on institutional letterhead
  • Attestation
    • Attestation must be provided by 深夜福利站 to indicate that applicants have met eligibility requirements including confirmation of institutional employment for up to 2 years from the start of the Fellowship.

Deadlines

深夜福利站 must authorize application submissions in advance of the final deadline:

  • April 10, 2025 - Notice of Intent to Apply - email rwprizes@uwo.ca if you wish to have Research Awards & Distinctions support and coordination of your application (which includes a full review of materials and securing letters of reference)
  • April 30, 2025 - Preliminary Research Abstract (submitted to the Dorothy Killam Portal)
  • May 15, 2025 - Full draft application packages must be submitted for institutional approval and attestation, ROLA is required
  • May 22, 2025 – Final application deadline

EDID Supports

Dedicated support and resources for Indigenous research and Equity Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization in research are available through the . You can complete a to receive more information or book a consultation. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact the team early for determination and support.

Contact

Interested applicants must consult with Awards &Distinctions, Institutional Research Programs (rwprizes@uwo.ca) at 深夜福利站 Research regarding the program and application process