Research Excellence
National recognition for Queen’s research
September 4, 2025
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Drs. Amir Fam (Civil Engineering) and Stéfanie von Hlatky (Political Studies).
Each year, the (RSC), one of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions, recognizes Canadian researchers for their contributions across the arts and humanities, social sciences, and sciences. This year, two Queen’s researchers have earned this honour for their outstanding work in civil engineering and international security. Amir Fam (Civil Engineering) has been elected as a Fellow of the RSC and Stéfanie von Hlatky (Political Studies) will join the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists. This recognition highlights their research impact and national leadership in their fields.
Established in 1882, the RSC is Canada’s national academy, dedicated to promoting research and learning, recognizing academic and artistic excellence, and advising governments, non-governmental organizations, and Canadians on important matters. Its mission is to serve Canada by recognizing Canada’s leading scholars, researchers, and artists, empowering them to address issues that are critical to Canadians.
The RSC comprises three academies—the , , and —as well as the , which was established in 2014. Fellows of the RSC are elected by their peers for outstanding career-long contributions, while College Members are early to mid-career scholars who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments within 15 years of completing their doctorate. Since 1964, Queen’s has had 123 faculty members elected as Fellows and 22 inducted into the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.
“Election to the Royal Society of Canada is among our country’s highest research honours. Congratulations to Drs. Fam and von Hlatky on recognition of their national leadership. Queen’s is proud to provide the conditions that enable transformational research with meaningful impact for Canadians and the world.”
– Dr. Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal (Research)
Learn more about Queen’s 2025 inductees:
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
is a Professor in the department of Civil Engineering, Vice-Dean (Research) at Smith Engineering and the Canada Research Chair in Climate Change Resilient Infrastructure. A leading expert in structural engineering, Dr. Fam’s research focuses on sustainable construction methods using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and bio-based composite and ultra-high performance concrete materials to strengthen and retrofit aging infrastructure as well as developing energy-efficient buildings.
His research innovations, such as the use of stay-in-place FRP tubes, bars, or carbon-FRP prestressing cables, to eliminate steel corrosion in concrete, have revolutionized bridge construction across North America. His work has been applied in first-of-their-kind structures such as the Taylor Bridge in Manitoba, the Bombardier Transportation monorail test track in Ontario, and the Route 40 Bridge in Virginia.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Fam has supervised and trained more than 85 graduate and postdoctoral researchers. He has authored over 240 peer-reviewed journal articles and secured more than $15 million in research funding. His work has directly shaped engineering codes and guidelines used across Canada and the U.S., and his design and development for Canada’s first has helped engineers better assess bridge fatigue and performance.
Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists
Dr. Stéfanie von Hlatky is a Professor in the department of Political Studies and holds the Canada Research Chair in Gender, Security, and the Armed Forces. As a leading scholar in international security and defence, her research explores how diversity and inclusion can strengthen conflict prevention and resolution efforts. Alongside her team, she is investigating how military institutions are integrating gender-responsive frameworks with the goal of contributing to lasting policy change.
Dr. von Hlatky’s research has directly contributed to public discourse and policy making, most notably through expert testimony to the Arbour Review on sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. She has also developed gender integration training materials for NATO personnel and regularly provides strategic advice to Canadian and international defence organizations.
Dr. von Hlatky is the founder of Women in International Security–Canada as well as a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellow. She currently serves as Honorary Colonel of the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment and is the co-director of the (CDSN). Her research has shaped national defence policies and institutional practices in Canada and across NATO, advancing equity and accountability in military institutions.
“The Royal Society of Canada is delighted to welcome into its ranks a talented group of inspiring researchers, artists, and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture, as well as to the wellbeing of Canadians. Their research will continue to influence public policy for years to come, while improving the wellbeing of our society."
– Dr. Alain-G. Gagnon, FRSC, President of the RSC
The 2025 cohort of Royal Society of Canada Fellows and College members will be officially recognized at the this November.
To learn more about this year’s inductees, visit the website.
