Graduate School’s Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives recognized by National Postdoctoral Association
The University of Minnesota’s Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives (OPI) has been recognized by the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) through its Excellence Recognition Program for its work strengthening policies and practices that support postdoctoral scholars.
The NPA’s Excellence Recognition Program highlights institutions that demonstrate outstanding practices in supporting postdoctoral scholars. The University of Minnesota was recognized in the area of Postdoc Definition, Role, and Duration, one of the NPA’s Recommended Postdoctoral Policies and Practices.
At the University of Minnesota, postdoctoral scholars are recognized as professionals-in-training, reflecting both their advanced expertise and their continued professional development. The Graduate School has established clear expectations around postdoctoral appointments, including defined employment categories, training responsibilities, professional development, and a maximum five-year duration of postdoctoral training.
A key element of UMN’s approach is protected time for professional development. The Graduate School promotes a minimum of 10% protected time across postdoctoral appointments, with the specific allocation varying by appointment category and responsibilities. This time supports activities such as independent research, career development, mentoring, and preparation for the transition to the next stage of a postdoc’s career.
The NPA recognition also highlights the importance of strong campus partnerships and meaningful engagement with postdoctoral scholars. OPI works across the University to connect postdocs with resources and opportunities that support their professional growth and success.
“Fostering the success of our postdoctoral scholars is vital to advancing the University’s teaching, research, and engagement missions,” said Elisia L. Cohen, vice provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate School. “By investing in their professional development, the University of Minnesota prepares postdocs to meet the challenges of an evolving higher education landscape with clarity, ambition, and purpose.”
“Postdoctoral scholars are critical to the mission and success of a research-focused institution,” said Noro Andriamanalina, assistant vice provost for graduate student and postdoctoral initiatives. “Having clearly defined expectations on the role, professional development, and duration of training for postdoctoral scholars is essential to distinguishing early-career professionals and ensuring they can access the support and resources they need to navigate their training with confidence and successfully transition into rewarding careers.”
The recognition reflects the work of OPI and partners across the University to create a strong, consistent foundation for postdoctoral training and professional development.