Postdoc Appreciation Week

Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW), held in September each year, is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our fantastic postdocs, and the great work they do. 

Originating in the USA, PAW is now embedded in UK and Irish universities, with a consortium of Universities organising national activities, alongside their own institutional activities.

At Edinburgh, our Postdoc Societies plan events and awards during this week, below is a summary of what took place during PAW 2024

The Big Fat Postdoc Quiz

19th September, 5.30pm, Mayfield Bar, The King's Buildings

As part of PAW 2024, a number of postdoc societies across the University are working together to organise 'The Big Fat Postdoc Quiz'.

The quiz is an exciting 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!

Please, register 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 pizza!)

The Big Fat Postdoc Quiz 

Organised by: BQPDS, BioDocSoc, Easter Bush/Roslin, G2PD, PODS, & IRSS

CMVM Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) Awards

The awards aim to recognise the exceptional contribution of research staff to the life of the University, to public engagement and community involvement and in the provision of support to their colleagues and Centres.  Staff and students can nominate postdocs in the following categories:

1. Contribution to citizenship
2. Contribution to communities, knowledge exchange, public engagement
3. Outstanding postdoc
4. Contribution to scientific advancement
5. Student support and supervision

CMVM Postdoc Awards - Results

Bioquarter Postdoc Symposium

16th September, 09:30am - 13:30pm, Cross-College event

The Bioquarter Postdoc Society is organising a day of posters and flash talks on the 16th of September in the Usher Building. 

Please register your interest and submit your abstract  (submission guidelines attached) using this link . Everybody is welcome to attend but we encourage BIOQUARTER POSTDOCS (from ANY buildings) to present their research as this day will highlight the importance of postdocs’ work in research institutes.

The programme for the day, includes some advice for IAD on how to navigate being a postdoc, posters discussion and flash talks. We will also take a group photo to shine a light on postdocs and use the power of social media to raise awareness about our role.

We are also creating a virtual whiteboard with the topic myths about post-docs where you will be able to share your personal experiences on this and how to debunk the myths about our role. 

Save the date and a link for booking will be sent soon.

Roslin Postdoc Group Picture

Monday 16th September, 11am

Gather outside the Roslin Institute at 11am to be in the Roslin Postdoc Group picture.  It's also a really good opportunity to meet your fellow Roslin postodcs.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Postdoc Appreciation Week - Staff Bulletin Article (Group Photos)

Celebrating scientific success from the IGC postdoc community

Monday 16th September, 14:30 - 16:00, IGC Seminar Room

As part of Postdoc Appreciation Week, the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) postdoc society are holding an event to celebrate their postdoc scientific successes!

Celebrating scientific success event registration

IGC - A taste of non-research activities

Friday 20th September, IGC Seminar Room 1.14, 15:30, 18:00

IGC A taste of non-research activities registration

School of Biology - Changing Research Cultures Event (PAW)

Hosted by the BioDocSoc, 10am Tuesday 17th September, Waddington Building, Room 1.08

The event includes talks on the Concordat, the career paths of researchers in long-term employment on short-term contracts, Research Cultures and a panel discussion

Into the Postdoc-verse: Building relationships across dimensions

Monday 16 Sep 2024, 10:00-12:30 (Online)

We’re back this year with a focus on how to authentically network without feeling the ‘ick’,  beyond sectors, disciplines and even dimensions (i.e. time and space)!

In addition to a skills masterclass by Dr Steve Cross, which no doubt will be upbeat, funny and yet informative, you will also be able to practice what you’ve learnt right away with some live speed networking sessions within this event.

We will also have a panel discussion with 3 current/former part-time postdocs, Dr Joe Fennell, Dr Pooja Khurana and Dr Laura Pottinger, who will each bring their unique experience and insights into how to create and build networks that span different sectors and themes.

Come join us for this special 5th anniversary event!

Into the Postdoc-verse: building relationships across dimensions - Further Information and Booking Link

How to Build your Postdoctoral Research Profile

In celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week, the IAD is offering a day of 30-minute 1:1 consultations for postdoctoral researchers across the University on 19th September 2024, to allow you to focus on specific areas e.g. developing a new research project, branching out into a new field, developing your profile in preparation for a grant application, creating more synergies between your research activities. 

How to Build your Postdoctoral Research Profile 1:1 Booking