September 16-20, 2024
We appreciate you, Postdocs!
National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW) recognizes the significant contributions of postdoctoral appointees. An initiative promoted by the National Postdoctoral Association since 2009 and recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, this week is filled with events taking place across the country in order to raise awareness and appreciation for the diverse accomplishments of the talented experts that make up the U.S. postdoctoral community.
NPAW at WashU
This week is filled with fun events for postdocs to relax, connect, and know how much they are appreciated by the broader WashU scholarly community.
Advertise NPAW events in your lab or office! Download flyers to print and circulate here.
All postdocs are invited to attend all events, regardless of campus location.
Calendar of Events
| Monday, September 16 | NPAW Kick Off with NPA Virtual 12:00-1:00pm Headshots Med campus 1:00-4:30pm Treats & Tails Med campus 2:00-3:00pm |
| Tuesday, September 17 | University Libraries Meet & Greet Danforth campus 12:00-1:00pm Headshots Danforth campus 1:00-4:30pm Treats & Tails Danforth campus 2:00-3:00pm WUSTL BPA Sponsored: Coffee & Donuts Med campus 2:00-3:00pm |
| Wednesday, September 18 | Childcare Resources for Postdocs Virtual 11:00am-11:30am WUPS Sponsored: Table Topics Med campus 12:00-1:00pm Nutrition Myths and Food Trends Virtual 12:15-1:00pm |
| Thursday, September 19 | Let’s Get Crafty with Perennial Med campus 12:00-1:00pm WUPS Sponsored: Table Topics Danforth campus 12:00-1:00pm Postdoc Town Hall: Connect with Community to Foster Change Virtual 2:00pm-3:00pm |
| Friday, September 20 | PPMP Sponsored: SciPhD Flamingo Job Preparation Tool Demo Virtual and Med campus 10:00-11:00am Let’s Get Crafty with Perennial Danforth campus 12:00-1:00pm Sound Bath Meditation Co-sponsored by WUSTL BPA and the OPA Danforth campus 3:30-4:30pm WUPS Sponsored: Celebrating the Journey: NPAW’s Social/Closure Event Danforth campus 5:00-7:00pm |
Do you mentor a postdoc? Show your appreciation!
Here are some ways you can celebrate the postdocs that bring invaluable expertise to your lab, department, or program.
Milestone celebration
Organize a small celebration to recognize significant milestones from the past year like publications, conference presentations, or completing a grant submission.
A personalized wellness package
Assemble a wellness package with items like stress-relief candles, herbal teas, or relaxation guides. Demonstrate your care for their mental and physical well-being by supporting their entire person-not just the amazing scholar they are!
Tell your whole social network
Use #NPAW2024 and #WashUPostdocs in your social media appreciation posts. Don’t forget to tag the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs on X and LinkedIn!
A handwritten note
A simple, heartfelt handwritten note expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication can make a significant impact.
Show appreciation with a well-deserved raise
A simple and impactful way for a PI or faculty mentor to show appreciation is by providing their postdocs a raise. This gesture not only acknowledges the postdoc’s hard work and dedication but also reinforces their value to the team, boosting morale .
Redesign your digital spaces
Download a special desktop background, email signature graphic, and Zoom background to show your appreciation for postdocs throughout all of cyberspace.
Surprise treats
Bring in your postdocs’ favorite snacks, organize a surprise coffee or dessert break, to treat the lab to lunch.