The Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026-2027 stands as one of Canada's most prestigious research fellowships. Established through the will of Dorothy Johnston Killam in memory of her husband, Izaak Walton Killam, and through generous gifts made during her lifetime, the Killam Scholarship and Prize Programmes aim to advance higher education and research across Canada.
These fellowships support postdoctoral scholars engaged in groundbreaking research, helping to develop future academic leaders. Administered annually at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the Killam Postdoctoral Fellowships provide an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to further their academic pursuits in a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment.
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications in consultation with their proposed department or research unit at UBC.
Overview of the Killam Fellowship Program 2026-2027:
The Killam Fellowship Program 2026-2027 is funded by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies. Its primary purpose is to support postdoctoral research across a wide range of academic disciplines. Killam Fellowships are awarded based on merit and are designed to help scholars develop their independent research portfolios while contributing to UBC’s vibrant academic community.
The University of British Columbia awards between four to six new Killam Fellowships each year, depending on available funding. These fellowships are open to scholars from all around the world and support most fields of study.
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Fellowship Value and Duration:
One of the most attractive features of the Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is its generous funding structure:
● Annual Stipend: $60,000 CAD.
● Duration: Maximum of two years.
● Total Value: Up to $120,000 CAD over the full term.
This stipend is intended to support the fellow’s living expenses while conducting full-time research at UBC.
Eligibility Requirements:
The Killam Fellowship targets researchers with the potential to make meaningful contributions to academia and professional disciplines. To ensure applicants meet this standard, the following eligibility criteria apply:
1. PhD Completion:
Applicants must have completed all PhD requirements no more than 24 months before the proposed start date of the fellowship. This includes all thesis corrections and formal submission, not just the convocation date.
2. PhD Institution:
Applicants must not have earned their PhD from any UBC campus.
3. UBC Appointment:
If the applicant is already holding a postdoctoral position at UBC, a clear rationale for continuing must be provided in the “Special Circumstances” document.
4. Faculty Status:
Applicants must not hold a tenure-track or continuing faculty position. Temporary or non-tenure appointments are permitted.
5. Citizenship:
Open to all nationalities, but applicants must meet Canadian immigration requirements.
6. Residence:
Fellows must reside at the UBC campus during the fellowship period, except for essential research-related travel (up to three months per fellowship year).
Supervisor Eligibility:
Applicants must be supervised by a continuing UBC faculty member with a tenure-track appointment. The proposed supervisor must commit to mentoring the applicant throughout the entire 24-month fellowship period.
Application Documents Required:
● A two-page research proposal.
● Optional ancillary materials (max one page).
● A personal statement (max one page).
● Special circumstances document (if applicable).
● Canadian Common CV.
● A letter of support from the proposed UBC supervisor.
● Three reference letters (in addition to the supervisor’s letter).
● Official transcripts and translations from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
All reference letters must be submitted directly to the department or unit by the referees ahead of the department’s internal deadline.
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Evaluation Criteria for the Fellowship Program:
Killam Fellowship applicants undergo a rigorous review process. The evaluation is based on three primary areas:
1. Excellence in Research (60%)
● Quality and originality of past research.
● Research output (publications, presentations, etc.).
● Academic awards and fellowships received.
● Ability to complete research within a defined timeframe.
● Critical thinking, initiative, and adaptability.
● Resilience and responsiveness to research challenges.
2. Quality of Proposed Research (30%)
● Originality and clarity of the research agenda.
● Significance and feasibility of the project.
● Alignment between academic training and research focus.
● Quality of UBC’s research environment and supervisor support.
3. Personal Attributes (10%)
● Integrity, collegiality, and respect for others.
● Communication and leadership skills.
● Community involvement, volunteerism, and extracurricular achievements.
● Preference is given to applicants who have not previously held a postdoctoral fellowship.
Application Deadline
Each UBC department or unit has its own internal deadline. Applicants must consult their intended department to determine the specific deadline. Make sure you follow the given applications deadline of the department to apply.
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How to apply for the Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship?
To apply for the Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, applicants must:
● Complete the official application form.
● Submit all required documents to the UBC department or unit where they intend to hold the fellowship.
● Coordinate with the department’s internal deadlines to ensure timely submission.
Conclusion:
The Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026-2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to contribute to UBC’s world-class research environment. With a generous stipend, rigorous selection process, and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, this fellowship supports the development of future academic leaders. Interested candidates should begin preparing early, contact their proposed departments, and ensure their application materials meet all guidelines and deadlines. By fostering innovative research and supporting intellectual excellence, the Killam Fellowship continues to honor the legacy of Izaak Walton Killam and Dorothy Johnston Killam strengthening Canada’s academic future one fellow at a time. So to apply and know more visit Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026-2027 official link here.