National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2023

Last week Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs was thrilled to invite postdoctoral scholars from across the university to celebrate our eighth annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW). Originally started by the National Postdoctoral Association, NPAW takes place each year in September to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery. During the week, postdocs had the opportunity to pick up a VIP (Very Important Postdoc) lanyard, participate in our virtual escape challenge for a chance to win a $20 W Store gift card, and join our newly launched Postdoc LinkedIn Group. In addition to this, exclusive events were hosted each day from September 18-22.

On Monday (Sept 18), postdocs came together to celebrate the start of NPAW at our Networking Kick Off. At this event, postdocs at the opportunity to meet their peers, enjoy tasty treats, and hear inspiring words from Vivek Goel, University of Waterloo President and Jeff Casello, Associate Vice President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

On Tuesday (Sept 19), postdocs had the opportunity to relax and find balance at our guided meditation hosted by Jennifer Yuen from Counselling Services.

On Wednesday (Sept 20), postdocs attended our Leadership as a Mindset Lunch and Learn facilitated by John Fedy and Organizational and Human Development. At this session, attendees reflected on who they are as a leader and what they value in other leaders they connect with.

On Thursday (Sept 21), postdocs climbed to new heights at our rock climbing event. Attendees had a great time connecting with each other, getting some exercise, and, for some, trying something new!

On Friday (Sept 22), our postdoc community wrapped up NPAW 2023 at our Happy Hour event at Graduate House.

It was fantastic to see the Waterloo postdoc community come together. If you are a postdoc looking for more opportunities to connect, keep an eye out for upcoming events in the Postdoc E-news.