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 19Health 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 21Postdoc 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 22Postdoc 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 23Postdoc 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!

Made with Padlet

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!