Originally started by the National Postdoctoral Association, Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) takes place each year in September to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery.
Universities across North America celebrate PAW, and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) is pleased to have hosted PAW activities for our postdocs since 2016. Past PAW events have included professional development workshops, art classes, wellness activities, and social events.
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is excited to celebrate its eleventh annual Postdoc Appreciation Week from September 21–25, 2026.
PAW 2026: Networking Kickoff
Network with other postdocs, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and hear from special guests.
PAW 2026: Guided Nature Walk
Learn about Canadian wildlife and enjoy the fresh air as we walk the trail along Columbia Lake.
PAW 2026: Designing Engaging Presentations for Public Audiences
Learn how to assess your audience, organize your presentation around your research story, and design slides that help your non-academic audience understand your ideas.
PAW 2026: Postdoc to Non-academic Career Panel
Get valuable tips and advice from the experiences of previous Waterloo postdocs who have launched successful careers in industry, government, and the non-profit sector.
PAW 2026: Happy Hour
Meet other postdocs while enjoying food and beverages.
Additional Postdoc Appreciation Week events
These events are hosted by other institutions but are open to postdocs at the University of Waterloo.
- Sept 16: Crafting Your LinkedIn Profile for Job Search and Career Success
- Sept 22: Navigating a Career After the Postdoc: Lessons from Professionals in
- Entrepreneurship, Academia, and Industry
- Sept 22: Better Job Talks
- Sept 23: From What You Have to Where You Want to Go
- Sept 23: The Science of Focusing on What Really Matters
- Sept 24: Mitacs Information Session
- Sept 24: From CV to Resume
- Sept 24: Inside the Hiring Process: Meet the Decision Makers
- Sept 25: Your Resume, Your Voice: Working Smarter with AI
Postdoc picnic
Stained glass painting
Tax seminar
NPAW Happy hour
Rock climbing
NPAW Networking Kick Off
Leadership Lunch and Learn
Jenga
Boxing
