The University of Calgary offers more than 160 degrees across 65 graduate programs and is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world. Its current vision is to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities by 2022.
When UCalgary officially separated from the University of Alberta in 1966, a special provision was made to allow the University of Calgary to take 1/3 of the Killam bequest along with them.
As of today, the Canada Council has awarded four Killam Prizes –Natural Sciences (1), Health Sciences (1), and Engineering (2) – and 11 Killam Research Fellowships to researchers of the University of Calgary.
Killam Awards at the University of Calgary
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to doctoral students of outstanding caliber. They are highly ranked in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Graduate Studies Killam Competition by the Killam Memorial Scholarship Committee.
Donald N. Byers Memorial Killam Prize
This award was created in memory of Donald N. Byers who was the Managing Trustee of the Killam Trusts for 27 years. Donald Byers worked closely with Dorothy Killam to establish the Killam scholarships and awards.
The prize is awarded for Best Statement of Program of Studies and Research made in the application of each successful new Killam Scholar.
Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship is open to all faculties. Selected by a special multi-disciplinary committee, the recipient of this fellowship is an exceptional postdoctoral scholar who has obtained a PhD degree within the two years preceding the competition. Only one award is available.
Killam Visiting Scholar Award
The Killam Visiting Scholar Award is intended to bring distinguished scholars to the University of Calgary who, by their presence and participation in research and teaching, will make a significant contribution to the academic life of the University.
Killam Research Excellence Award
This award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to research and is an acknowledged international leader who has earned distinction for themselves and for the University of Calgary.
Killam Emerging Research Leader Award
This award is presented to up to three individuals (one per Tri-Council) who have, at an early career stage equivalent to 10 years post-awarding of the highest degree, made outstanding contributions to research at an area of research recognized by CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
McCaig – Killam Teaching Award
The McCaig-Killam Teaching Award is given to an individual for outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at the University. This award was created in recognition of Ann McCaig, past Chancellor of the University of Calgary who also served for 22 years as a Killam Trustee, with the heart, wisdom and lifelong commitment for transforming education.
Killam Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Award
This award is presented to an individual who has a record of excellence in the supervision and mentorship of Masters and/or PhD students at the University.
Killam Award in Undergraduate Mentorship
This award recognizes excellence in mentorship at the undergraduate level, which may include extensive involvement of undergraduates in research, supervision of undergraduate research projects, and pedagogical practices that promote the integration of teaching and research.
Killam Annual Professors
The professorships are given to outstanding nationally and/or internationally recognized professors at the University who will have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following primary areas: research; student supervision and undergraduate and/or graduate teaching.
Killam Memorial Chair
The Killam Memorial Chair is awarded to a distinguished scholar with an international reputation, an outstanding record in the scientific and/or engineering fields and a superior record of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Killam Memorial Emerging Leader Chair
In 2021, the University of Calgary introduced the Killam Memorial Emerging Leader Chair, one of the most prestigious research chairs available at the University. This Chair is awarded to a current faculty member who has, at an early career stage, made outstanding contributions to their field of research or scholarship.
To learn more about the Killam Laureates at the University of Calgary, visit the University’s YouTube channel.