The provide support to scholars of exceptional ability by granting them time to pursue research projects of broad significance and widespread interest within the disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering or studies linking any of these disciplines. A Dorothy Killam Fellow is a leading, mid-career researcher whose superior, ground-breaking, best-in-class research stands to have significant impact on a national or global scale.
A Fellow is someone who also reflects some of the Killam attributes: inclusive collaborator, barrier breaker, research leader.
Eligibility
A Dorothy Killam Fellow is relieved of teaching and administrative duties for the period of the fellowship. The funds are intended to assist the institution to cover the costs of 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. Eligible candidates are mid-career researchers (usually completed their PhD no more than 15 years prior, though special circumstances may result in being more or less than this).
Program details
Between 5 and 8 Fellowships are awarded annually. The fellowships are awarded to individuals, but the funds are paid to and administered by the Canadian university or research institute where the individual is employed.
Terms and conditions
The Dorothy Killam Fellowships are valued at $80,000 CAD per year for a total of up to $160,000 for 2 years. Dorothy Killam Fellowships are intended as release time from employment for established scholars who have demonstrated outstanding research ability. Typically, a Fellowship recipient is a faculty member at a Canadian university with significant teaching and/or administrative responsibilities.
More information on the funding model, program guidelines and eligibility criteria can be found by visiting the .
Evaluation criteria
After Peer Review, applications are evaluated by the Selection Committee based on merit and national context. Publicly available information may also be considered. Fellowships are awarded to candidates deemed outstanding. When candidates are closely ranked, the Committee will consider factors that promote a diverse and representative cohort.
Key Evaluation Points for Dorothy Killam Fellowships:
Significance (25%)
The application must clearly articulate the importance of the proposed research in shaping Canada's future through advanced study and strong evidence must be shown of one or more of Killam attributes:
- Inclusive collaborator - Demonstrates inclusive research practices that embrace diverse cultures, perspectives, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Barrier breaker - Proposes bold, transformative research that challenges conventions and has the potential to significantly impact society or technology.
- Research leader - Fosters meaningful collaboration across disciplines and institutions, amplifying the impact of research through shared knowledge and cooperation.
Advancement of knowledge (25%)
The application should clearly outline how the proposed research advances knowledge in its field. It must also detail the applicant’s strategy for knowledge mobilization on how research findings will be shared and applied beyond academic circles. Strong evidence is expected of the candidate’s exceptional commitment, creativity, and effort in making research accessible and impactful to broader communities.
Methods (25%)
The application must demonstrate sound research methods, including a clear description of the approach, hypothesis, and problem statement. Candidates should show a strong commitment to ethical research practices, including honest and thoughtful inquiry, rigorous analysis, safety, research ethics, responsible dissemination of results, and adherence to professional standards.
Relevance (25%)
The application should present a compelling case for the relevance of the research, outlining both immediate and long-term outcomes. It must include clear evidence of how the research will positively impact Canada, whether socially, economically, environmentally, or otherwise.
How to apply
Applicants must complete the online application form, and provide the following documents: an Abstract (250 words), Research Proposal (up to 1500 words), Candidate statement (up to 1000 words), an optional Community Research Supplement (up to 500 words), Curriculum Vitae (up to 30 pages), and two Letters of Support (up to 1000 words each).
Internal deadline - April 1, 2026
- If you are interested in applying for the Dorothy Killam Fellowship, please contact Dr. Mona Rahman, Research Awards Officer of Research Services at rahmanm@queensu.ca with your intent.
Preliminary abstract due - April 30, 2026
To facilitate expert review, a preliminary research abstract (150 words) is now required and must be submitted through the portal. Applicants will have the opportunity to provide an updated research abstract at the time of submission. Details for each are available at the .
Submissions close - May 21, 2026 at 23:59 h (applicant local time)
Contact fellowship sponsor
National Killam Program Contact: KillamProgram-ProgrammeKillam@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca