Postdoc Appreciation Week 2026

Postdocs are facing an ever-changing landscape in terms of personal and career prospects, as well as a changing landscape to academic funding. Being prepared is key, so join our UK #NPAW2026 flagship event where we will start with exploring your academic journey through creative language play with Martina Diehl, followed by a workshop on uncovering your existing skills (hint: it’s not just research!) and how to explore your next steps using this information with Holly Prescott. We will then wrap up with a discussion panel with funders UKRI and British Academy, who will provide candid insights to the changing landscape of academic funding. To be expected: Creative poetry, self-exploration, and honest opinions!

Event Agenda

We are delighted to invite all postdocs at the University of Edinburgh to take part in The Big Postdoc Quiz!

This event is part of different range of activities organised for the National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), which aims to celebrate the fantastic work that postdoctoral researchers do within the university community. The quiz is an opportunity to take a break from your research and enjoy a fun-filled social event that will put your knowledge to the test. It will also provide a chance to connect with fellow postdocs from different disciplines. Don't worry if you're not a quiz aficionado – it's all about the experience and having a great time together!

Details are:

Thursday 24 September 2026 from 5:00pm
Informatics Forum  - 10 Crichton Street (EH8 9AB)

Please, register below (free) to secure a spot and help us estimate numbers. We really hope to see you there for an unforgettable evening of intellectual stimulation and fun (and did we mention free pizza?)

As part of Postdoc Appreciation Week, the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) will be presenting Postdoc Recognition Awards to recognise and celebrate contributions by Postdoctoral researchers.

Nominations are welcome from both staff and students, including self-nominations, and should be 300 words maximum. Awards are split by achievements in three categories:

1. Student Support (teaching, student well-being)
2. Collegiality (peer-support, positive impacts on well-being, diversity and inclusion)
3. Impact (collaboration with industry, innovation, public engagement, media, community volunteering). 

The nominations will be considered by a panel of Postdoc Champions, with both nomination number and content taken into account. 

Winners be awarded a certificate and a £50 Love2Shop voucher, which can be used at a wide range of retailer, however, we will celebrate all nominees. 

An award ceremony/lunch will take place on:

Thursday 24 September 2006 
12:45pm to 14:15pm
Room 1.08 Waddington Building, Kings Buildings

Please nominate individuals or groups of postdocs by Monday 14th September 2025 (5pm)

We invite colleagues within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences to recognise the exceptional contribution of postdoc staff by sending them Thank You e-cards. Whether your postdoc colleague has gone above and beyond to support a project, is making important contributions to their field or discipline, has shown valued leadership in their team, or consistently brings a positive attitude to their work, then please consider sending them a Thank You via the CAHSS Thank You scheme. 

Please take this opportunity to honour postdocs during this important week, by expressing gratitude. Fill in this short form by the 25th September and they'll receive a Thank You e-card in their inbox. 

The Researcher Development Research Staff Careers Consultants will be running two workshops and short 20-minute quick queries during PAW.

Further information and booking links and below.