NPAW
Why?
The aim of National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) is to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of postdoctoral researchers and recognise the value of their contributions to the research ecosystem.
Who?
Postdocs are early career researchers who usually have already obtained a PhD (in the context of NPAW, we actually also celebrate researchers in similar roles, PhD or not). They mostly work on short-term contracts to aquire additional training and experience in order to become the future leaders in academic research, private research, governmental institutions or any other successful career they can apply their skills to!
Postdocs plan and conduct research, analyse data and disseminate their results by publishing in scientific journals, interacting with policy makers or with private companies. They are also often involved in teaching at the University, supervising students and junior staff and taking part in public engagement activities.
Postdocs are at the forefront of scientific discoveries, building a better future for all of us, and deserve our gratitude for their hard work!
What?
Events at Queen's vary with the year but could include research showcases, public events (in example a movie + Q&A), recognition (Prizes or awards), social events (usually with food!), social media campains etc. Since 2020, a group of postdocs and researcher developers from multiple UK institutions also co-ordinate UK-wide online events on careers or postdoc life, and, from 2021, the UK National Postdoc Conference will be scheduled during NPAW (it take place every other year).
When?
The week of the 3rd Monday of September.
Where?
NPAW was created by the National Postdoc Association (NPA) in the USA, where it has been celebrated since 2009. In 2018, Queen's was the only UK University to put a programme together and we intend to keep organising NPAW in Belfast every year! Since then, multiple UK Universities have joined the celebrations and groups of postdocs from across the country work together to organise virtual events for all.
Programme 2024 (16 - 20 September)
Postdoc Showcase
'Helping to Shape a Better World'
Organised by the Postdoc Society ('by postdocs, for postdocs'), this event is an opportunity for all research staff at Queen's to showcase their research, learn about others' research, and network.
The Showcase will be held on Monday 16 September in The Malone Hotel and will feature talks by invited speakers, an expert panel discussion, an update from the Postdoctoral Development Centre, a research poster/display exhibition, and oral presentations by selected postdocs. The event will conclude with a drinks reception!
There will be prizes for the best talks and posters and the PDC Postdoc Awards will be presented at the end of the event.
Postdoc Awards 2024
Winners' announcement
Every year, the Postdoc Awards celebrate the achievements of Queen's postdocs in research, support and citizenship and outreach.
This year, a total of 59 nominations were received (35 in MHLS, 17 in EPS and 7 in AHSS), with some nominations submitted on behalf of multiple individuals.
Winners will be announced at the end of the Postdoc Showcase on 16 September, and will also be published on the Awards' page and shared via the PDC X account (@QUBpostdoc).
Profile Picture Photoshoot
Free professional photograph for postdocs and research staff
In celebration of National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024, the PDC will be offering Queen's research staff the opportunity to have their photograph taken by a professional photographer, to use for professional profiles (e.g. Pure profile, LinkedIn profile, research group website, etc.).
The photoshoot will be carried out by a professional photographer hired for the occasion on the QUB main site campus (Lanyon Building) on Wednesday 18 September between 10:00 and 12:30.
The photograph will be free but will require registration, and will be limited to the first 30 to register. The offer is only available for postdocs and research staff employed in the University in September 2024 (PhD candidates are not eligible) and priority will be given to those who did not have a professional photo taken for this initiative last year.
UK-wide NPAW 5th Anniversary Flagship Event
Into the Postdoc-verse: building relationships across dimensions
Each year a free UK-wide online flagship event is held during National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) and this year UKNPAW celebrates its 5th Anniversary!
This years event will take place on Monday 16 September (10:00 - 12:30) and is free to all.
This event will focus on how to authentically network beyond sectors, disciplines and even dimensions (i.e. time and space)! In addition to a skills masterclass by Dr Steve Cross, you will also be able to practice what you’ve learnt right away with some facilitated live speed networking sessions with your fellow attendees within this event. There will be a panel discussion with three current/former postdocs, Dr Joe Fennell, Dr Pooja Khurana and Dr Laura Pottinger, who will each bring their unique experience and insights on how to create and build networks that span different sectors and themes.
Find out more and register for the UK-wide NPAW event
View the UK NPAW website for all things UKNPAW!
During NPAW, please use #LovePostdocs and #NPAW2024 in your Tweets!
Postdoc profiles
Getting to know more about Queen's postdocs
During National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the PDC and Postdoc Society will be sharing short profiles of Queen's postdocs via the PDC X account (@QUBpostdoc), and on the Our postdocs' page.
The information for these profiles is collected as part of the registration for the Postdoc Showcase (for those who wish to participate). They will also be displayed on the screen of the Showcase's exhibition room during the event. If you'd like your profile featured but are not attending the showcase, please contact pdc@qub.ac.uk.
Programme 2023 (18 - 22 September)
Postdoc Showcase
'Creating impact through collaboration'
Organised by the Postdoc Society ('by postdocs, for postdocs'), this event is an opportunity for all research staff at Queen's to showcase their research, learn about others' research, and network. It is taking place just after National Postdoc Appreciation Week to enable hosting it in a venue on campus.
Taking place on the 29th of September at The Whitla Hall, the Showcase will involve guests speakers discussing how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive meaningful outcomes and create impact across various domains, a research display/poster exhibition, short accessible presentations by selected postdocs, and a range of networking opportunities (including over drinks at the end!).
There will be prizes for the best talks and posters and the PDC Postdoc Awards will be presented at the end of the event.
Postdoc Awards 2023
Winners' announcement
Every year, the Postdoc Awards celebrate the achievements of Queen's postdocs in research, support and citizenship and outreach.
A total of 59 nominations were received (32 in MHLS, 18 in EPS, 9 in AHSS), including some of them submitted on behalf of multiple individuals.
Winners will be announced at the end of the Postdoc Showcase, on the 29th of September, as well as published on the Awards' page and shared via the PDC Twitter account (@QUBpostdoc).
Profile picture photoshoot
Free professional photograph for postdocs and research staff
In celebration of National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2023, the PDC is offering Queen's research staff the opportunity to have their picture taken by a professional photographer, to use for professional profiles (e.g. Pure profile, LinkedIn profile, research group website etc.).
The photoshoot will be carried out by a professional photographer hired for the occasion on the QUB main site campus (Lanyon Building) on the afternoon of the Monday 18 September 2023.
The photograph will be free but will require registration, and will be limited to the first 30 to register. The offer is only available for postdocs and research staff employed in the University in September 2023 (PhD candidates are not eligible).
Creating connections and rediscovering joy
A UK-wide online event
This online event organised by postdoc volunteers from different UK institutions, with support from researcher developers including the PDC, will take place on the 18th of September (10:30-approx 12:00) and is free to all
It will explore the similarities and differences between postdocs in different disciplines and on how to communicate and connect across divides to deliver impactful interdisciplinary research.
The event will start with a comedic take on this topic by Dave Chawner, followed by conversations and discussion panel led by Prof Ian Sabroe and Dr Dieter Declercq, hosts of the podcast 'Conversations about Arts, Humanities and Health', on how to create collaborative environments, break preconceived ideologies, and rediscover the joy that drives us forward with what we do!
Postdoc profiles
Getting to know more about Queen's postdocs
During National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the PDC and Postdoc Society will be sharing short profiles of Queen's postdocs via the PDC Twitter account (@QUBpostdoc), and on the Our postdocs' page.
The information for these profiles is collected as part of the registration for the Postdoc Showcase (for those willing to participate). They will also be displayed on the screen of the Showcase's exhibition room during the event. If you'd like your profile featured but are not attending the showcase, please contact pdc@qub.ac.uk.
Programme 2022 (19 - 23 Sept)
Postdoc Showcase
'Resilience and Innovation'
Organised 'by postdocs, for postdocs', this event is an opportunity for all research staff at Queen's to showcase their research, learn about others' research, and network.
Taking place on the 21st of September at the Wellington Park Hotel, the Showcase will involve keynote talks by invited speakers around the theme of 'resilience and innovation', a research poster exhibition, 10-minute presentations and 5-minute flash-talks by selected postdocs, and a range of networking opportunities (including over drinks at the end!).
There will be prizes for the best talks and posters and the PDC Postdoc Awards will be presented at the end of the event.
The Postdoc Toolbox
A UK-wide online event
This online event will combine humour and useful tips around some of the best tools postdocs have and need in their toolbox to progress: their skills, career development resources and a well-crafted CV.
It will notably include a stand-up-type presentation on postdoc skills, a preview of the Prosper Portal, a career development tool for postdocs to be released in 2023, and a CV clinic, with tips to make a cracking academic or industry CV.
It is organised by a volunteers from different UK institutions, including the PDC, and will take place on the 21st of September (10:30-approx 12:00).
*Note: this event was initially planned on Monday 19th September but was rescheduled on Wednesday 21st September, due to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.*
Postdoc Awards 2022
Winners' announcement
Every year, the Postdoc Awards celebrate the achievements of Queen's postdocs in research, support and citizenship and outreach.
A total of 88 nominations were received (59 in MHLS, 16 in EPS, 13 in AHSS), including some of them submitted on behalf of multiple individuals.
Winners will be announced at the end of the Postdoc Showcase, on the 21st of September, as well as published on the Awards' page and shared via the PDC Twitter account (@QUBpostdoc).
Postdoc profiles
Getting to know more about Queen's postdocs
During National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the PDC will be sharing short profiles of Queen's postdocs via the PDC Twitter account (@QUBpostdoc), and on the Our postdocs' page.
The information for these profiles is collected as part of the registration for the Postdoc Showcase (for those willing to participate). They will also be displayed on the screen of the Showcase's exhibition room during the event.
Programme 2021 (20 - 24 Sept)
Date: 22/09/2021
Time: 2:00PM - 2:30PM
Location: Twitter
Category: General / Other
Date: 24/09/2021
Time: 9:15AM - 4:30PM
Location: Online
Category: Conference / Symposium
Date: 20/09/2021
Time: 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Location: Online
Category: Interview, Lecture / Talk / Discussion, Training / Learning & Development
E-cards
Means to say thank you!
PIs, students, peers and colleagues can thank postdocs and wish them a happy National Postdoc Appreciation Week by downloading one of the many available E-cards and send it by email or on social media!
Expand for more information and to download cards.
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