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Source verified July 10, 2026
National Killam Program
Recognition for distinguished scholars and research excellence
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: May 7, 2026Latest change: The National Killam Program content now includes a Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship expression of interest form and expanded FAQ guidance on nomination and application steps.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 7, 2026
Latest change: The National Killam Program content now includes a Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship expression of interest form and expanded FAQ guidance on nomination and application steps.
Killam application guidance updated
The grant content now adds an optional expression of interest form for the Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship, with instructions to email the National Killam Program Office and a response timeline of up to 10 business days. It also adds expanded FAQ guidance covering nomination roles, required documents, submission steps, and the research areas or challenge programs tied to that fellowship, while the Dorothy Killam Fellowship package remains in place.
Funding available
$ 160,000
Deadline
June 9, 2026
Opened March 25, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The National Killam Program is privately funded and brings together the Killam Prizes, Dorothy Killam Fellowships, and Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowships. It supports active Canadian scholars, scholars of exceptional ability, and mid-to-late career Canadian and international scholars pursuing research excellence, broad-significance projects, and collaboration with NRC researchers.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 160,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research projects of broad significance and widespread interest.
- Studies linking the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, or any combination of these disciplines.
- Collaboration with NRC researchers using NRC's unique infrastructure and resources.
Documents Needed
- Expression of interest form
- Brief plain-language research summary
- Applicant and institution contact information
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Active Canadian scholars.
- Scholars of exceptional ability.
- Mid-career researchers.
- Mid-to-late career Canadian and international scholars.
Who is not eligible
- Retired scholars, where active Canadian scholar status is required.
- Applicants who have already received a Killam Program fellowship, where stated.
- National Killam Program Office employees and program committee members, where restricted.
Eligible expenses
- Release time from employment.
- Travel and knowledge dissemination costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Support for less than the full fellowship period, where a full period is required.
- Research and laboratory costs that must be obtained from other sources, for Dorothy Killam Fellowships.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Significance of the research and alignment with Killam attributes.
- Advancement of knowledge and knowledge mobilization.
- Quality of the research methods.
- Relevance and impact for Canada.
How to apply
- Use the National Killam Program Portal to submit.
- Complete the online application form or nomination form.
- Provide all required documents in English or French.
- Submit by 23:59 your local time on May 21, 2026, May 28, 2026, or June 9, 2026, depending on the stream.
Processing and Agreement
- Recipients will receive notification of their results by telephone and email by March 2026.
- Successful Killam Prize nominees are contacted by telephone and in writing before the end of February, and the program office also emails the nominator and the president of the nominee’s organization.
- For successful candidates, the applicant and the institutional contact associated with the submission will be contacted.
- For all successful candidates, the result remains under embargo until the official winner announcement is made.
Additional information
- The National Killam Program includes the Killam Prizes, Dorothy Killam Fellowships, and Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowships.
- Five Killam Prizes are awarded annually, typically one per domain; Dorothy Killam Fellowships range from 5 to 8 annually; Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowships are up to 3 annually.
- The NRC administers and delivers the program.
- The NRC has no role in decision-making regarding the Killam Prizes and Dorothy Killam Fellowships, while the NRC President alongside Killam Trusts approve recommended winners of the Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowships.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Killam Program Program
What is the National Killam Program?
The National Killam Program is privately funded and brings together the Killam Prizes, Dorothy Killam Fellowships, and Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowships. It supports active Canadian scholars, scholars of exceptional ability, and mid-to-late career Canadian and international scholars pursuing research excellence, broad-significance projects, and collaboration with NRC researchers.
How much funding can be received?
National Killam Program Funds up to $160,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was June 9, 2026.
Who is eligible for the National Killam Program program?
To be eligible for the National Killam Program program, you must:
Active Canadian scholars with sustained research excellence and significant impact.
Scholars of exceptional ability pursuing research projects of broad significance and widespread interest, especially mid-career researchers needing relief from teaching and administrative duties.
Mid-to-late career Canadian and international scholars collaborating with NRC researchers.
What expenses are eligible under National Killam Program?
Research projects of broad significance and widespread interest.
Studies linking the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, or any combination of these disciplines.
Collaboration with NRC researchers using NRC's unique infrastructure and resources.
Who can I contact for more information about the National Killam Program?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at KillamProgram-ProgrammeKillam@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the National Killam Program available?
The National Killam Program program is available across Canada.