150 Years of Postdoc Excellence in America: National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week
September 21-25, 2026
Each year, the Graduate School’s Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives (OPI) joins institutions across the country to celebrate postdocs and their invaluable contributions over the course of National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW).
Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association has sponsored NPAW to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and discovery. Organizations from across the world participate by holding special events. In 2010, this week was officially recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives. Events will be held throughout the week and across the country to create awareness of postdocs.
In line with this year’s theme–150 Years of Postdoc Excellence in America–we are pleased to celebrate our postdocs with a range of in-person and virtual events. And, in what has become a wonderful tradition at UMN, we will be co-hosting the UMN Postdoctoral Association’s (PDA) ‘Postdoc Family Picnic’ on Saturday, September 5 for an early kick off to this year’s celebrations.
Please join us as we celebrate your invaluable contributions as postdocs at the University of Minnesota!
Featured Events
Saturday, September 5
Postdoc Family Picnic, Postdoctoral Association & Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives, Graduate School
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Como Shelter 50 (West Picnic Grounds) | Como Regional Park
We are once again hosting a family picnic with food, drinks, an excellent playground, and yard games!
Please join us and meet other postdocs and their families. Partners (including a good friend) and your child(ren) are welcome!
Location: Midway Parkway between Kaufman Dr. and Estabrook Dr.
Parking: There is ample free parking, including the West Lot, and free street parking along Midway Parkway and Como Ave.
Google Map with points of interest: Use this map to view a set of parking options with pins.
You will receive a Google Calendar invite, as well as day-of contact information included in the description.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 2!
Monday, September 21
Postdoc Breakfast, CFANS Postdoc Board & Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives, Graduate School
9:30-11:00 AM | Borlaug Commons (St. Paul Campus)
Join the CFANS Postdoc Board and OPI for breakfast!
CFANS postdoc alumni will also be available to network and help kick off National Postdoc Appreciation Week!
Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 16!
Tuesday, September 22
Postdoc Appreciation Lunch & Awards Ceremony, Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives (OPI)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Mississippi Room (3rd Floor) | Coffman Memorial Union
The event will recognize postdocs who have made outstanding contributions to the postdoctoral community and University in five distinct areas: research, teaching and mentoring, service to the University, community outreach, diversity and inclusivity.
In addition, we will be recognizing the awardees of this year’s Faculty Awards for Excellence in Postdoctoral Advising.
Speaker
Andrew Alleyne, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering
Schedule
- 11:00 a.m. | Registration
- 11:15 a.m. | Lunch Buffet Open
- 12:00 p.m. | Welcome Remarks
- 12:10 p.m. | Faculty Awards Presentation
- 12:25 p.m. | Postdoc Awards Presentation
- 12:50 p.m. | Postdoc Attendee Lottery (You must RSVP and attend to be eligible!)
12:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks
Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 15!
Wednesday, September 23
Coffee & Networking Hour, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS), Medical School
9:00-11:00 AM | Nils Hasselmo Hall Atrium (East Bank)
The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies invites you to connect with fellow postdocs, build your campus network, and learn about resources designed to support your success.
Our first 30 registrants will receive a free GPS coffee mug!
Proactive Planning for Postdocs with the IDP, Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives (OPI)
3:00-4:00 PM | Online
Join us for an interactive session on the Individual Development Plan (IDP), an invaluable tool to guide postdocs as they prioritize their goals and objectives for career development.
Discussion will include:
- assessing strengths
- identifying areas to develop
- obtaining transferable skills for any career path
- collaborating with multiple mentors to effectively draft and implement an IDP
- building a network of support to further your career within and beyond the postdoc experience
*You are welcome to access the UMN Postdoc IDP Template at any time.
Speaker
Noro Andriamanalina, Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Initiatives, Graduate School
Registration is open until Wednesday, September 23!
Thursday, September 24
Social Hour & Meet-and-Greet, Postdoctoral Association
5:00-7:00 PM | The Market At Malcolm Yards
Join leaders of the UMN Postdoctoral Association for casual conversation and networking with your postdoc peers!
Snacks will be provided, but bring your ID if you plan on purchasing any alcoholic beverages!
Please RSVP by Monday, September 21!
Friday, September 25
Bowling and Pizza Night, Postdoctoral Association & Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives, Graduate School
5:00-7:00 PM | Goldy's Gameroom (Basement) | Coffman Memorial Union
Postdocs are invited to a fun night of bowling, pizza, and community!
Bowling, shoes, soft drinks, and pizza are free for postdocs.
*This event is only open to current postdocs. For a family-friendly event, please join us for the Postdoc Family Picnic on Saturday, September 5th!
Please RSVP by Monday, September 21!