Honouring exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture.
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Kiran Soma, a professor in UBC’s department of psychology, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) — one of the country’s highest honours for distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists.
Kiran Soma, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a world-renowned expert on how hormones affect the brain and immune system, has made transformative contributions to psychology, neuroscience, and endocrinology. He publishes in the most prestigious scientific journals and is one of Canada's most highly cited behavioural neuroscientists.
Dr. Soma is one of six UBC faculty members who have been elected as new RSC Fellows for their outstanding scholarly achievements and the significant impact they have made in their fields.
“Being elected to the Royal Society of Canada is an incredible honour. What makes it especially meaningful is that it’s peer-nominated and evaluated — it’s a recognition from colleagues across the country and globe whose work I deeply respect.”
Nominated by his colleague Dr. Ara Norenzayan and elected by peers from across Canada, this honour celebrates Dr. Soma’s exceptional contributions to understanding how steroid hormones shape brain function and behaviour.
“I am thrilled to see Kiran elected as an RSC Fellow. Many know him as a brilliant neuroscientist, but few know that he is also an avid cyclist with a refined taste in single malts from the Scottish Highlands.”
Dr. Soma has published over 145 papers on neural circuits, hormones, behaviour, and immune function and received over 10,000 citations. His innovative use of mass spectrometry to measure steroids in the brain has sparked research collaborations ranging from hormone changes across the lifespan to how acute stress and trauma affect behaviour.
Equally central to his research accomplishments is his commitment to mentoring and training the next generation of scientists. Over 21 years, Dr. Soma has trained more than 133 undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and research staff in his lab — and they continue to build on his legacy in diverse scientific and professional fields. In recognition of his exceptional mentorship, he received a Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring.
“I take mentorship very seriously. Some of the most pivotal insights in our lab came from students — through a conversation, a paper they shared, or an idea they had. My goal has always been to help them pursue their own paths, whether in academia or beyond.”
This honour not only celebrates Dr. Soma’s scientific achievements, but also his lasting impact as a mentor, leader, and collaborator within the UBC community and beyond.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Soma!
On Friday, November 14, 2025, the RSC will induct the 2025 Fellows and Members of the RSC College at a ceremony as part of the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Montréal, Québec.
Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) comprises The Academy of Arts and Humanities, The Academy of Social Sciences, The Academy of Science, and The RSC College. The RSC recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.
