Kingston scholars win one of Canada’s most prestigious research prizes

Queen’s University professor Dr. Margaret Moore recognized for work on borders, land rights and global governance.

Two scholars from Queen’s University are among the winners of one of Canada’s most prestigious academic honours.

The Killam Trusts announced the recipients of the 2026 Killam Prize Thursday morning, recognizing Canadian researchers whose work is shaping the future of science, policy, health and technology.

Each of the five winners will receive $100,000 for their contributions.

Among them is Queen’s political philosopher Margaret Moore, whose research focuses on territorial rights and questions about who has legitimate claims to land.

Moore says she feels honoured to join the lineup of previous winners.

Moore’s work explores how borders should be drawn and what justice requires in disputes involving secession, colonial history and Indigenous land rights. She says some of her best work has been completed at Queen’s University.

Her research is also often used to help explain global issues, including Arctic sovereignty, resource governance and international conflicts.

Also recognized is Katherine McKittrick, whose work in Black studies and cultural geography examines creativity, identity and belonging within Black diasporic communities.

Since its founding, the Killam Trusts have awarded more than $1 billion to support research in Canadian universities.

Story by Alyssa Brush