National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week is September 15-19, 2025!
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 from September 15-19, 2025. And, in what is fast becoming a tradition at UMN, our Postdoctoral Association will be co-hosting a ‘Postdoc Family Picnic’ on Sunday, September 14 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.
Featured Events
Sunday, September 14
Postdoc Family Picnic, UMN Postdoctoral Association and Office for Postdoctoral Initiatives
11 AM - 3 PM | Boom Island Park
The Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is hosting a family picnic with food, drinks, and yard games!
Please join us and meet other postdocs and their families. Partners (including good friends) and kids are welcome!
The address for Boom Island Park is 724 Sibley St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413.
Monday, September 15
National Postdoc Appreciation Week Kickoff, Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives (OPI)
11 AM - 1:00 PM | Location TBD
Tuesday, September 16
Check for updates!
Wednesday, September 17
Coffee & Donuts, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS), Medical School
9-11 AM | Location TBD (East Bank)
Stop by for some food and to network with other postdocs, as well as get to know your OGPS staff members!
Thursday, September 18
Coffee & Carbs, PDA & OPI
9-11 AM | Location TBD, St. Paul Campus
Join the Postdoctoral Association and the Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives for sustenance to get you through your day! Come hang out, meet other postdocs, and enjoy some coffee and carbs!
Social Hour & Meet-and-Greet, PDA & OPI
5-7 PM | Malcolm Yards
Join leaders of the UMN Postdoctoral Association and UMN staff members with the Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives for some casual conversation and networking with your postdoc peers!
Snacks will be provided, but bring your ID if you plan on purchasing any alcoholic beverages!
Friday, September 19
Bowling and Pizza Night, OPI
5:30 PM - 8 PM | Goldy's Gameroom, Coffman Memorial Union
Postdocs and their families are invited to a fun night of bowling, billiards, foosball, and pizza!
This event is free and the entire Game Room has been reserved.