University Killam Professors

Nomination Process

The invitation for nominations is issued in alternating years. Nominations are submitted to the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation (VPRI) and are submitted by the Dean of the Faculty in which the nominee holds their primary appointment.

The submission deadline is September 1, 2022 at 5:00 pm PT.

To ensure an equitable distribution, large Faculties (Arts, Applied Science, Medicine and Science) may each submit up to two nominations. All other Faculties may submit one nomination. 

Nominations are put forward by six members of the University community, and each of the six members must submit a signed nomination letter. This group must include at least one student, one staff member, one faculty member, one alumnus/a, and the Dean indicating the extent of the nominee’s acknowledgement by the University community as a person of substantial and widely recognized scholarly distinction.

The nomination package must include:

• Six signed nomination letters,
• Curriculum vitae, and
• Three arm’s length, external referee letters in support of the nominee’s suitability for the designation.

Nominations must be submitted as a single PDF and emailed to Stacey Herzer by the deadline stated above.

Selection Criteria

Nominees must hold the rank of full professor. Nominations will be evaluated against criteria that demonstrate the characteristics of an exceptional professor worthy of this honour. The criteria include:

• Demonstration of consistent excellence in teaching and conducting research;
• Recognition as an outstanding and innovative researcher whose accomplishments have made a major impact in his or her research field;
• Demonstration of a superior record of attracting and supervising graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows;
• Demonstration of effective and innovative teaching methods;
• Recognition as a strong, passionate and inspirational teacher who encourages students to pursue excellence;
• Demonstration of continuing commitment to student success through advising and mentoring inside and outside the classroom and/or laboratory;
• Achievement of distinction in the academic and wider community as an extraordinary teacher and/or researcher;
• Achievement of national and international acclaim in the areas of teaching and/or research in the form of an award or recognition of high esteem; and
• Demonstration of continuing receipt of a high degree of respect from students, fellow faculty members, and members of the University administration.

The Review Process

Members of an Advisory Committee will assess the University Killam Professor nominations. Using the selection criteria, the committee will assess the nominees and make recommendations to the President, who will, in turn, make a recommendation to the Board of Governors on which nominees should receive the distinction of University Killam Professor. 

The Advisory Committee consists of:

• The Chancellor (Chair)
• The Provost and Vice-President, Academic (UBC Vancouver)
• The Provost and Vice-President, Academic (UBC Okanagan)
• The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (will Chair in the absence of the Chancellor)
• The Chair of the Senior Appointments Committee
• Up to seven existing University Killam Professors
• Up to three additional selected advisors including a student
• The Manager, Internal Research Competitions, Vice-President Research & Innovation Office (ex officio – Secretary)

Timeline