National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024

September 16 - 20, 2024

National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week at the University of Minnesota

September 16-20, 2024

Each year, the Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives and the University of Minnesota join institutions and research centers across the country to celebrate postdocs and their invaluable contributions during National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW), a National Postdoctoral Association-sponsored initiative that takes place over the third week of September.

This year, we are pleased to celebrate our postdocs with a diverse range of in-person and virtual events September 16-20, 2024. And, in what is fast becoming a tradition at UMN, our Postdoctoral Association is hosting a ‘Postdoc Family Picnic’ on Sunday, September 15 ahead of the week’s celebrations.

Postdocs are encouraged to visit the National Postdoctoral Association’s (NPA) listing of virtual and in-person NPAW events at institutions and research centers across the country. UMN postdocs must first register for free affiliate membership and will then be able to register to access the resources available on the NPA’s page, as well as attend any virtual offerings of interest.

CFANS Postdoc Board Events

  • Plant potting & CBS Conservatory Tour | September 17, 10- 11 a.m. | Plant Growth Facilities West | RSVP HERE!

  • CFANS Postdoc Coffee Break | September 18 @ 8:30-10 a.m. | 120 Coffey Hall

  • CFANS Postdoc Coffee and Carbs | September 19 @ 8:30-10 a.m. | 120 Coffey Hall

  • Campus Tour & Ice cream social | September 20 @ 10- 11 a.m. | Front steps of the St. Paul Student Center | RSVP HERE!

University of Minnesota Events

Postdoc Family Picnic

Sunday, September 15 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Shelter C, Boom Island Park
The Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is hosting a family picnic with food, drinks, and yard games! Please RSVP via Google Form by Thursday, September 12.

NPAW Kickoff - Message from the Deans, Awards Ceremony & Alumni Panel

Monday, September 16 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Online
Dean Scott Lanyon (Graduate School) and Dean Brian Buhr (CFANS) will present opening remarks, followed by awards presentations and a panel, 'Leading in the Workplace: Perspectives from Postdoc Alumni,' focusing on leadership skills and developing one's career after the postdoc.

All postdoc attendees will receive a sustainable tote bag from the Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives! 

View additional details and register to attend.

Drop-in Social Events

Coffee & Donuts with OGPS
Tuesday, September 17 | 10:00-11:00 a.m. | Nils Atrium, Nils Hasselmo Hall
*Please RSVP. The first 30 registered attendees will receive a surprise gift!*

Drop-in for a Treat!, International Student & Scholar Services
Tuesday, September 17 | 1:00-4:00 p.m. | 190 Humphrey School
Stop by the ISSS Welcome Center to grab a sweet treat. All are welcome!

Coffee & Carbs, PDA & OPI
Thursday, September 19 | 8:30-10:00 a.m.| 120 Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus
*Please RSVP. The first 30 registered attendees will receive a surprise gift!*

Social Hour & Meet-and-Greet, PDA & OPI
Thursday, September 19 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.| Malcolm Yards
No RSVP required!

Bowling and Pizza Night!

Friday, September 20 | 5:30-8:00 p.m. | Goldy's Gameroom, Coffman Memorial Union
Postdocs and their families are invited to a fun night of bowling, billiards, foosball, and pizza! Please complete your RSVP via Google Form by Wednesday, September 18, so that we can accommodate everyone.