The Killam Program: A record of Canada Council’s role

Administered by the Canada Council for over 50 years, the Killam Program was funded through the generous contribution of Mrs. Dorothy J. Killam, in honour of the memory and achievements of her husband, Izaak Walton Killam. The Program’s awards are part of a larger set of Killam Trusts, which continue to fund scholarship and research across Canada.

1967 – The Killam Research Fellowships were established to support outstanding scholars with time to pursue groundbreaking projects in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences and engineering. The fellowships were awarded to individual researchers and administered by the Canadian university or research institute where they worked. 

1981 – The Killam Prizes were created to recognize and celebrate Canada’s most inspiring scholars and thought leaders in each of the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences and engineering. Laureates were known for their distinguished careers, sustained research excellence and significant contributions to society. 

2022 – The Canada Council transferred administration of the Killam Program to the National Research Council of Canada.