Tag Archives: Postdoc Appreciation Week

Tens of Thousands of Researchers Celebrated During 13th National Postdoc Appreciation Week

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today kicked off the 13th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), taking place today through Friday. NPAW is the nation's largest celebration of postdoctoral scholars who serve at more than 300 institutions, acknowledging the significant contributions "postdocs" make to research, innovation and scientific discovery. This year's NPAW theme, "Finding Your Balance," recognizes the challenges postdocs face in balancing the rigors of their research positions with maintaining their health and wellness.

Postdocs are individuals holding doctoral degrees engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training to gain needed skills to excel in their careers. These scholars conduct a large share of critical, cutting-edge research across all disciplines at universities, research institutions and industry members across the United States.

"Postdocs require exemplary discipline, focus, and balance to succeed in their challenging positions," said Tom Kimbis, J.D., executive director and chief executive officer of the NPA. "They are the backbone of science and research leadership in our country and deserve recognition throughout the year. Carving out a week to celebrate their remarkable work ethic and achievements is the least we can do."

The contribution of the roughly 70,000 U.S. postdocs, whose numbers are concentrated in the STEM fields and are instrumental to much of the early-stage research that occurs throughout the country, is often overlooked, as the academic postdoc is neither a student nor a faculty member. Yet, postdocs represent the highest-educated individuals in our society and drive innovation daily.

"Many don't realize that thousands of postdocs work in the social sciences - from economics to psychology - and go onto leadership positions in government, industry, and non-profit organizations," commented Stephanie Eberle, M.Ed., executive director of BioSci Careers at Stanford University. "Like those in the physical sciences, their roles are critical to societal growth and innovation."

Since its founding by the NPA in 2009, NPAW has grown into a truly national event, with universities, medical centers, industry members, and others hosting events this week to acknowledge the contributions of postdocs. Popular events during NPAW include professional and career development workshops, networking activities, and social events celebrating the immense contribution of postdocs to our nation's thought leadership. This year, roughly 40 free national events are open to all postdocs, in addition to local events happening on campuses across the nation.

NPAW 2022 is anchored by a kickoff event with opening remarks by Sharon Milgram, Ph.D., director of the Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a panel discussion, featuring Robert Hable, Ph.D., innovation and product commercialization coordinator at BASF; Inge Hansen, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and director of well-being at Stanford University; and Yen Teng Tai, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher at Penn State University College of Medicine. The discussion will focus on challenges early career researchers face, lessons learned from their own struggles, and a framework for postdocs to build better balance in their professional lives as they navigate their career progression.

A calendar of 2022 NPAW events can be found at https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/2022NPAW

This year, NPAW is made possible by NPA Distinguished Partner, Gallagher Insurance, and NPA Gold Partner, Proteintech.

The NPA is a national charitable and educational non-profit association headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, that seeks to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. At the individual, organizational, and national levels, the NPA facilitates enhanced professional growth, raises awareness, and collaborates with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community. Membership in the NPA is open to all organizations and individuals interested in advancing the interests of postdocs in the United States.

Affiliate membership in the NPA for most postdocs is free and available at https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/.

To support NPA and its charitable mission to assist postdocs, please visit https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/donate or text NPAW2022 to 44-321.

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today kicked off the 13th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), taking place today through Friday. NPAW is the nation's largest celebration of postdoctoral scholars who serve at more than 300 institutions, acknowledging the significant contributions "postdocs" make to research, innovation and scientific discovery.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

Virtues and Skills of Researchers Across the U.S. Celebrated During 12th National Postdoc Appreciation Week

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today kicked off the 12th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), taking place through Friday. NPAW is the nation's largest celebration of postdoctoral scholars who serve at more than 300 institutions, acknowledging the significant contributions "postdocs" make to research, innovation and scientific discovery. This year's NPA theme, "I Am a Postdoc," celebrates the fact that postdocs not only achieve greatness in their work, but also come from diverse backgrounds, possess valuable professional skills, and embrace fundamental virtues.

Postdocs are individuals holding doctoral degrees engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training to gain needed skills to excel in their careers. These scholars conduct a large share of critical, cutting-edge research across all disciplines at universities, research institutions and industry members across the United States.

"The NPA founded NPAW as a platform to celebrate postdocs and their contributions at and outside of the workplace," said William Mahoney, Jr., Ph.D., vice chair of the NPA. "We're thrilled to join our partners, members, and sponsors in providing postdocs with more of the recognition they so richly deserve."

Since its founding by the NPA in 2009, NPAW has grown into a truly national event, with universities, medical centers, industry members, and others hosting events this week to acknowledge the contributions of postdocs. Popular events during NPAW include professional and career development workshops, networking activities, and social events celebrating the immense contribution of postdocs to our nation's thought leadership.

"NPAW celebrates the inspiration and perspiration of the more than 70,000 postdocs working in the U.S. across all disciplines - from immunology to psychology - to make a better world for us all." said Tom Kimbis, NPA executive director and CEO. "Although more Americans learn every day who postdocs are and what they do, postdocs remain a largely unseen force in the U.S. economy. Through NPAW and beyond, the NPA is dedicated to changing this culture of invisibility."

In addition to the dozens of events occurring locally, national NPAW activities following on the theme of "I Am a Postdoc" include remarks by the Honorable Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation; Robert T. Pennock, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University, and president of Sigma Xi; and, Keith Micoli, Ph.D., assistant dean of postdoctoral affairs at New York University School of Medicine. These will be complemented by a career connection opportunity for postdocs to network with former postdocs now in permanent positions, as well as a hands-on workshop led by NPA partner Postdoc Academy providing training on finding preferred career paths.

A calendar of 2021 NPAW events can be found at https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/2021NPAW.

Many local events are being conducted virtually and are open to participation by researchers at other institutions in a spirit of collaboration and cross-fertilization of ideas. This year, NPAW is made possible by NPA Distinguished Partner, Gallagher Insurance, and NPA Gold Partner, Proteintech.

The NPA is a national charitable and educational non-profit association headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, that seeks to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. At the individual, organizational, and national levels, the NPA facilitates enhanced professional growth, raises awareness, and collaborates with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community. Membership in the NPA is open to all organizations and individuals interested in advancing the interests of postdocs in the United States. Affiliate membership in the NPA for most postdocs is free and available at https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/.

To support NPA and its charitable mission to assist postdocs, please visit https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/donate or text 20FORNPA to 44-321.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0916s2p-natpostdoc-logo-300dpi.jpg

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today kicked off the 12th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), taking place through Friday. NPAW is the nation's largest celebration of postdoctoral scholars who serve at more than 300 institutions, acknowledging the significant contributions "postdocs" make to research, innovation and scientific discovery.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

Thousands of Scholars Driving Innovation to be Recognized During 11th National Postdoc Appreciation Week

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) announced the 11th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) will take place September 21 - 25, 2020. NPAW is the nation's largest celebration of postdoctoral scholars who serve at more than 300 institutions, acknowledging the significant contributions these "postdocs" make to U.S. research and discovery. This year, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the first virtual NPAW will allow universities to open events to postdocs from other institutions across the country.

"NPAW is a well-earned celebration of the inspiration and perspiration of the tens of thousands of postdocs working to advance early-stage research across thousands of topical areas from finding a vaccine for COVID-19 to reimagining more diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environments," said Tom Kimbis, NPA executive director and CEO. "Postdocs help drive American leadership and competitiveness across all aspects of our lives."

Postdocs are individuals holding doctoral degrees engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training to gain needed skills to excel in their careers. These scholars conduct a large share of critical, cutting-edge research across all disciplines at universities, research institutions and industry members across the U.S.

NPAW boosts awareness of the critical work of the estimated 80,000 postdocs in the United States. In 2019, 556 events were held by 121 organizations, spanning 35 states and 98 cities. In recent years, NPAW expanded to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Popular events during NPAW include professional and career development workshops, networking activities, and social events celebrating the immense contribution of postdocs to our nation's thought leadership.

This year's celebration includes a keynote featuring John Beacom, Ph.D., Henry L. Cox professor of physics and astronomy at the Ohio State University, and Christine Pfund, Ph.D., senior scientist with the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, discussing best practices for mentorship, as well as national webinars hosted by key NPA partners -- a National Research Mentoring Network event focused on diversity in mentoring and a Postdoc Academy opportunity to hone leadership skills.

During NPAW, the NPA is also debuting NPA Communities, an online member engagement platform designed to share best practices, encourage communal solutions to common problems facing the greater postdoc community, and assist scholars in advancing their careers. All NPA member institutions are welcome to join the new network. A calendar of NPAW events can be found at http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/2020NPAW. NPAW is made possible by Distinguished Sponsor, Gallagher Insurance, and NPAW 2020 Lead Sponsor, Proteintech.

The week-long celebration sponsored by the NPA grew out of National Postdoc Appreciation Day in 2009 followed by formal recognition of NPAW by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 24, 2010.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The NPA is a charitable and educational non-profit association headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, that seeks to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of enhanced professional growth. At the individual, organizational, and national levels, the NPA facilitates connections, raises awareness, and collaborates with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community. Membership in the NPA is open to all organizations and individuals interested in advancing the interests of postdocs in the U.S.

Affiliate membership in the NPA for most postdocs is free and available at https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0916s2p-natpostdoc-logo-300dpi.jpg

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) announced the 11th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) will take place September 21 - 25, 2020. NPAW is the nation's largest celebration of postdoctoral scholars who serve at more than 300 institutions, acknowledging the significant contributions these "postdocs" make to U.S. research and discovery.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/