The Royal Society of Canada Announces its 2026 Class of Fellows and College Members

The RSC Class of 2026 recognizes 159 exceptional scholars, artists, and scientists from across Canada.

OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Society of Canada (RSC), Canada’s national academy, announces its 2026 Class of Fellows and College Members, recognizing 159 distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists from across Canada.

One hundred and five (105) individuals have been elected Fellows of the RSC, Canada’s highest honour in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

Fifty-four (54) individuals have been elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists (RSC College). These mid-career leaders are recognized for their expertise, innovation, and contributions to addressing complex challenges and advancing emerging fields across disciplines.

“Today, we are pleased to welcome the newest Fellows and College Members of the Royal Society of Canada. Their work spans breakthroughs in medicine, technology and climate research, contributions in the arts and literature, leadership in reconciliation, and efforts to build a more inclusive future. These individuals are shaping Canadian society through their scholarship, creativity, and impact – today and into the years ahead.”

Françoise Baylis, FRSC, President of the Royal Society of Canada

Meet the RSC Class of 2026 >

On Friday, November 13, 2026, the RSC will induct the Class of 2026 at its annual Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Ottawa. To join in celebrating this year’s outstanding honourees, please register here.

Quick Facts:

• Membership in the Royal Society of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. It recognizes distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists from across Canada.
• Leading scholars and researchers are elected to one of the Society’s three Academies: the Academy of Arts and Humanities; the Academy of Social Sciences; or the Academy of Science.
• Individuals who have begun demonstrating leading scholarly, research or artistic excellence within 15 years of having completed their PhD or disciplinary equivalent are elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
• The motto of the Royal Society of Canada, STUDIIS EODEM DIVERSIS NITIMUR, translates to “We strive towards the same thing, although having different pursuits.” This refers to the many fields of study of the Society’s members.
• Candidates for Fellowship are nominated by current RSC Fellows or RSC Institutional Members.
• Candidates for College membership are nominated by current RSC Fellows and College Members or RSC Institutional Members.
• A person officially becomes a Member of the Royal Society of Canada following their induction into the RSC, after they have taken the RSC Oath and signed the Charter Book.
  

About the Royal Society of Canada

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada is Canada’s senior national academy and exists to promote Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment in both of Canada’s official languages, to recognize academic and artistic excellence, and to advise governments, non-governmental organizations, and Canadians generally on matters of public interest. The Royal Society of Canada is a registered charity (Charitable Reg. #10793 5991 RR0001).

For media inquiries, contact:
adomaradzki@rsc-src.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/720196c3-7cd5-442f-8a74-7b484952e50d

THE RSC PRESENTS THE CLASS OF 2026

RSC Class of 2026