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. In the case of Emeritus status, evidence of active, ongoing scholarly research and publication should be included in the submitted materials.

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.

While Killam Prizes are awarded based on research disciplines, we recognize that barrier-breaking research often happens at the intersection of research disciplines. The National Killam Program encourages both disciplinary and multidisciplinary nominations.

Nominators must nominate candidates in at least one discipline, and have the option to select more than one discipline. The nominator must identify the discipline(s) in the letter, and in the portal when prompted. In the event that a multidisciplinary nominee is selected for the Killam Prize, the National Killam Selection Committee may recommend a Prize category other than the nomination category.

The nominator is responsible for starting and submitting the nomination for the Killam Prize through the portal. The nominator can upload the following documents: Nomination Letter, CV, Letters of Support, and Impact Statement. The nominee can upload the following document: CV.

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.

Please consult the Killam Prize guidelines under the Nomination Process section.

Letters of nomination are used to inform assessment by expert reviewers as well as members of the National Killam Selection Committee consisting of scholars from a variety of research disciplines. Nominators must include a brief, plain-language summary that contextualizes the nominee’s distinguished contributions to their field(s) of study. Letters of nomination should describe the quality, relevance and reach of the nominee’s research contributions, and provide a strong rationale as to why the nominee is an outstanding candidate for the Killam Prize.

Further, nomination letters must clearly specify:

• the Killam Prize discipline(s) in which the candidate is being nominated, and
• the nature of the nominator’s relationship with the nominee.

To reduce the potential for unconscious bias in the evaluation process:

• please refer to nominees consistently by their surname(s) and use gender-neutral pronouns

Nominees who focus on community-based research must provide one additional letter of support from a community leader or a community member.

We recognize that many nominators are supported by staff members in bringing forward a nomination package. Our system allows for support staff to create an account, upload documents, and complete attestations on behalf of the nominator. However, the name of the nominator must be clear on all documentation and the support staff must have delegated authority from the nominator to process the nomination on their behalf. The NKPO does not currently require proof of delegation. In the event of a successful Prize nomination from outside the institution, NKPO will notify President of the institution as well as the nominator.

Killam Prize submissions are evaluated under the relevance category on their research record and its alignment with the Killam attributes. The Killam attributes include inclusive collaborator, barrier breaker and research leader.

Killam Prize laureates are nationally and internationally recognized scholars whose excellent, ground-breaking and transformative research stands to positively improve the lives of Canadians. Past winners have international profile and demonstrate research excellence in alignment with Killam attributes of inclusive collaborator, barrier breaker and research leader. Nominators and referees should clearly explain the impacts of the candidate’s work with each letter writer taking a different perspective to provide a fullest possible profile of the candidate and their work.

No. The National Killam Program recognizes that bibliometrics only tell part of the impact story and that different disciplines have different impact measures. Applicants and nominators should identify indicators of impact that are relevant to their field of research, their modes of knowledge dissemination, and their individual work.

The Killam Prize nominee should click Submit when they have completed their section of the submission. This is not the final submission of the nomination. When the nominee clicks Submit, an email will automatically be sent to the nominator to advise them that the nominee has completed their portion of the submission, including uploading relevant files.