Killam Awards for Excellence in Mentoring
ForecastedInternal — University of British Columbia - Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies only
Killam Awards for Excellence in Mentoring support UBC Vancouver faculty by rewarding sustained graduate student mentorship that fosters students' intellectual, professional, and personal development.
Funder: University of British Columbia - Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Nomination package deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 and a commemorative certificate per recipient; one mid-career and one senior award
Summary: Recognizes UBC Vancouver faculty for sustained excellence in graduate student mentorship and students’ intellectual, professional, and personal development.
Key Information: Faculty nomination and Department Head approval are required; departments may nominate one faculty member per category.
Description
The Killam Awards for Excellence in Mentoring recognize outstanding mentorship of numerous graduate students over many years. Overseen by UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the awards honour faculty members who foster students’ intellectual, professional, and personal development. Funding comes from the Killam General Endowment, administered by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic.
The awards emphasize scholarly excellence, professional conduct, integrity, and individually tailored support for diverse students. They recognize mentors who develop students’ critical thinking, creativity, communication, and interpersonal skills while fostering respect, inclusion, and collegiality. Career guidance, disciplinary networking, student advocacy, and compassion are also valued. For senior nominees especially, mentoring should extend beyond research supervision and training to personal development and service to the scholarly community.
