We appreciate you, Postdocs!
National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW) recognizes the significant contributions of postdoctoral appointees. An initiative promoted by the National Postdoctoral Association since 2009 and recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, this week is filled with events taking place across the country that raise awareness and appreciation for the accomplishments of the talented experts who make up the U.S. postdoctoral community.
Find free NPAW events happening across the country
NPAW events at PME/UChicago:
Date |
Time |
Event |
Format |
Location |
Registration link |
Sept 15-18 |
Throughout NPAW |
Frames of Research: Postdoc Showcase |
In-person |
ERC Lobby |
- |
| Showcase of innovative and exciting research by postdocs | |||||
15-Sep |
9:00-11:00am |
Coffee Giveaway |
In-person |
GRAD HQ (3rd Floor, Bookstore Building) |
|
| First 50 registrants will receive a voucher for free coffee from French Press, in the bookstore building. | |||||
|
11:00am-12:00pm |
NPAW National Kickoff by NPA |
Virtual |
Zoom |
||
| The 2025 kickoff will include remarks provided by leaders across the postdoc community, with a brief keynote by Gretchen Goldman, Ph.D., president of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) | |||||
|
7:00-9:00pm |
Learn to tango with the UChicago Argentine Tango Club Unwind, connect, and recharge through the elegance of tango! The Tango Club is celebrating NPAW with an invitation to join for beginner and intermediate sessions and donuts! |
In-person |
Logan Center, Room 802 |
||
16-Sep |
9:00-10:30am |
Chair Yoga (9:00-9:30am) + Breakfast (9:30-10:30am) |
In-person |
ERC 161 |
|
| Join for either or both, yoga & breakfast! Learn movements you can practice while working on computer followed by breakfast | |||||
|
1:00-3:00pm |
Professional Headshots |
In-person |
GRAD HQ (3rd Floor, Bookstore Building) |
||
| Stop by to get new headshots taken! Multiple appointments available | |||||
|
6:30-8:00pm |
Paint and Sip Night |
In-person |
GRAD HQ (3rd Floor, Bookstore Building) |
||
| Enjoy a glass of something sparkling and relax while you paint the night away | |||||
17-Sep |
12:00-1:00pm |
Financial Literacy for Postdocs: Understanding your Paycheck |
Virtual |
Zoom |
|
| The session will break down your paycheck, help postdocs understand income tax, Social Security/Medicare tax, insurance premiums, retirement account deductions, and more | |||||
|
2:30-4:30pm |
Professional Headshots |
In-person |
GRAD HQ (3rd Floor, Bookstore Building) |
||
| Stop by to get new headshots taken! Multiple appointments available | |||||
18-Sep |
9:00-11:00am |
Tiny Succulent Giveaway |
In-person |
GRAD HQ (3rd Floor, Bookstore Building) |
|
| The first 200 registered postdocs can come to GRAD HQ and pick up a 3” succulent to take home. Registration confirmation will be required to pick up your tiny plant! | |||||
|
1:00-2:00pm |
New Faculty Reflections: Interviewing Insights (Panel) |
Virtual |
Zoom |
||
| Hear directly from recently hired faculty across US about their interview experiences, what helped them succeed, and what they wish they had known. | |||||
|
3:00-4:30pm |
Milkshake Social + Research Showcase Raffle |
In-person |
ERC 161 |
||
| Join the raffle for SHOKZ bone induction headphones and visa gift cards while enjoying milkshake from Runaway Cow | |||||
19-Sep |
4:30-6:30pm |
Ice Cream Social |
In-person |
GRAD HQ (3rd Floor, Bookstore Building) |
|
| Celebrate the end of NPAW with postdocs from all divisions of UChicago. Partners, children, and families are welcome to attend! |
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Do you mentor a postdoc? Show your appreciation!
Here are some ways you can celebrate the postdocs that bring invaluable expertise to your research group.
- Send a personal thank-you note acknowledging their contributions to your research and team.
- Publicly highlight their achievements in lab meetings or department communications.
- Host a lunch, coffee, or virtual meeting to spend time with them informally and show your appreciation.
- Encourage professional development, such as offering career advice and supporting their attendance at NPAW events.
A small gesture of appreciation can have a lasting impact on their motivation and sense of belonging.
Thank you for supporting our postdoctoral community!