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. 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,” says Dr. Soma. “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.”
Dr. Soma is 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. He has made transformative contributions to psychology, neuroscience and endocrinology, and his work has been published in many prestigious scientific journals, with over 145 papers on neural circuits, hormones, behaviour and immune function. He is also one of Canada’s most highly cited behavioural neuroscientists, receiving over 10,000 citations to date. 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, postdoctoral 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,” says Dr. Soma. “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 globally.
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.
A version of this announcement was originally published on the UBC Department of Psychology website.
