September 19-23, 2022
Thank you, Postdocs!
The National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW) recognizes the critical contributions that postdoctoral trainees make to research and discovery. Sponsored by the National Postdoctoral Association since 2009 and recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, this week is filled with events across the country that build awareness and appreciation for the accomplishments and diversity of the postdoctoral community. Check out the National Postdoctoral Association’s NPAW 2022 website to find events near you!
At WashU, this year’s NPAW Planning Committee includes members from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, the WashU Postdoc Society, and the Postdoc Peer Mentorship Program. Together, they are planning a week of fun filled events!
| Monday, September 19 | Health Screening for Postdocs 11:30-4pm, EPNEC (1st floor) |
| Tuesday, September 20 | Postdoc Appreciation Breakfast 8-10:30am, EPNEC (2nd floor) Medical Campus Co-sponsors Department of Medicine Department of Pathology & Immunology Clinical Research Training Center Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion School of Medicine |
| Wednesday, September 21 | Postdoc Appreciation Breakfast 8:30-11:30am, Goldberg Formal Lounge (DUC) Danforth Campus Co-sponsors Brown School; McKelvey School of Engineering; Olin School of Business |
| Thursday, September 22 | Postdoc Table Topic Lunch Social 12:30-1:30pm, FLTC 204 Medical Campus ExCELS Award Competition 5:30-7:30pm, Umrath Lounge Danforth Campus |
| Friday, September 23 | Postdoc Table Topic Lunch Social 12:00-1:00pm, McDonnel Hall, Conference Room 312 Danforth Campus Ted Drewes Event 4:30-7pm- Shell Cafe (Med Campus) 4:30-7pm- outside Olin Library (Danforth Campus) |
Write an appreciative post for a postdoc on the Padlet below!
PIs, show your appreciation!
Are you faculty member with a postdoc? Here are some ideas to show your appreciation for the postdoctoral trainees in you lab:
Increase your postdoc’s salary
WashU requires that a postdoc makes at least a certain amount (currently, $54,840). Nothing says “I appreciate your work” the way a raise will. Take a moment to conduct a performance review (example review form), and while you’re at it, make this an annual check-in.
Check-in with your postdoc
It can be easy to assume someone is doing well because they’re doing great work. Check that assumption by asking your postdoc about topics other than their research progress. How are they adjusting to St. Louis? What areas of life could they use additional support in?
Handwrite a Thank You note
Most people love a hand written note/letter. Take a few minutes to write a Thank You message onto paper and send it (via campus mail) or hand deliver it. Or, write something on this padlet!
Prioritize your postdoc’s wellness
Whether it’s with an on-site massage, a yoga session, a group walk, or just extra “me” time, show your postdoc that you support their entirety, not just the amazing researcher they are.
Say it in a tweet
Let your whole social network know how much you appreciate your postdoc by making a social media post. Use #NPAW2022 and #WashUPostdocs.
Say it with food
Take your postdoc out for lunch or coffee (and try to talk about non-lab work). Or celebrate with the whole lab with cake and cookies!