The Queen’s National Scholars (QNS) advisory committee has selected three proposals – out of 29 initial submissions – to advance to the second round of the competition.

“Originally, the intention was to recommend four proposals for the second stage,” says Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) and co-chair of the QNS advisory committee, “However, three of the proposals were clear frontrunners, each of which had significantly stronger committee support than any of those vying for fourth place.”

Of the 29 first-round proposals submitted, 24 were from the Faculty of Arts and Science. Proposals from the fields of African history, biological organic chemistry, and Indigenous literatures and languages were selected by the QNS advisory committee to participate in the second stage.

Those responsible for each successful expressions of interest have been invited to submit an expanded proposal, which will include a recommendation of an individual to be appointed.

“The QNS program is an excellent opportunity to attract talented young faculty members to Queen’s,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “The committee is looking for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional abilities as a teacher and who are engaged in promising research programs that align with the university’s academic and strategic research plans.”

The program will provide $100,000 annually for five years for each QNS and is intended to attract outstanding junior and mid-career professors to Queen’s. With two scholars chosen per year, the program will fund 10 Queen’s National Scholars once fully implemented.