Inaugurated in 1981 and administered by the Canada Council, The Killam Prizes are financed through lifetime and testamentary gifts to the Canada Council by Mrs. Dorothy J. Killam before her death in memory of her husband, Izaak Walton Killam. The prizes were created to honour eminent Canadian scholars and scientists actively engaged in research, whether in industry, government agencies or universities.

"It's a very distinguished award and I was very pleased to learn I had been nominated to sit on the selection committee," says Heinrich.

For the past 32 years, three Killam Prizes have been awarded annually for achievement in the natural sciences, health sciences and engineering. Next year, two new awards, one in the social sciences and another in humanities make their debut. In addition to the prizes, the Council awards more than 30 Killam Research Fellowships to senior scholars across Canada.

"I also like the idea of being on the committee so the other members can get to know some things about the U of R and what a great place it is," says Heinrich. "Being on a committee like this really gives you an opportunity to learn what a winner looks like. That can help us identify people here who should be thinking about applying for a Killam."

Heinrich's first official business with the committee is in November when members meet to select the top candidates in each discipline.