Marie-Josée Fortin (University of Toronto Communications)
Marie-Josée Fortin receives 2026 Killam Prize for Natural Sciences
Published: March 11, 2026
Marie-Josée Fortin, a University Professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto, has received the 2026 Killam Prize for Natural Sciences.
Killam Prizes are awarded annually by the Canada Council for the Arts to scholars whose sustained research excellence has resulted in significant contributions in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences and engineering. The prizes are considered among Canada’s most distinguished research honours.
Fortin’s research integrates ecology, geography and statistics to develop spatial statistics and modelling frameworks that address the spatial complexity of ecological data. Her work has shaped understanding of the spatial ecology of species and communities across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems and has informed initiatives by researchers, government agencies and conservation authorities responding to biodiversity loss and climate change.
“I must say I was stunned,” says Fortin. “I was so surprised when I received the email because it's so competitive.”
“Fortin’s research has elevated spatial ecology to a valuable and impactful discipline with critical applications to enhance our understanding of how to protect and conserve our planet’s ecosystems,” says Stephen Wright, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “She couldn’t be more deserving of this award.”
