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2026 National Postdoc Appreciation Week

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National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) 2026 is an annual event sponsored by the National Postdoctoral Association. The week honors the research, innovation, and vital contributions of postdoctoral fellows. This year’s theme is celebrating 150 years of the U.S. postdoc position. 





2026 National Postdoc Appreciation Week

Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award luncheon

Available Seats 98 Registration Closes: September 12, 2026 - 12:00am
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Rackham Graduate School (Horace H.) (Assembly Hall, 4th floor)
Rackham Graduate School Dean Michael J. Solomon, PhD and Interim VP for Research and Innovation Patricia Hurn, PhD, RN, FAAN

A luncheon honoring the 2026 winners of the Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellowship Award. All postdoctoral fellows are invited. 

This year’s winners of the Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award will also be invited. The award honors those faculty who demonstrate excellence in their mentorship of postdoctoral fellows. Faculty award nominees are also invited to join the luncheon celebration. 

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Postdoc Orientation

Available Seats 79 Registration Closes: September 24, 2026 - 12:00am
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Michigan League (Michigan Room, 2nd floor)
Anne-Sophie Bohrer, PhD and Joel Devonshire, PhD

Join the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for incoming postdoctoral fellow orientation and breakfast during National Postdoc Appreciation Week. 

Fully in person, breakfast included

Office of Postdoctoral Affairs program managers Anne-Sophie Bohrer, PhD and Joel Devonshire, PhD will lead a presentation about what you need to know to succeed in your role at Michigan: from ways to connect with other postdocs, important information about campus life and how to learn more about professional development opportunities. 

After orientation, you're welcome to head across the hall to a postdoc info fair to check out the tables and resources available to postdoctoral fellows on campus.

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Postdoc Info Fair

Registration Closes: September 25, 2026 - 12:00am
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Michigan League (Kalamazoo Room, 2nd floor)

Check out the Postdoc Info Fair during National Postdoc Appreciation Week! 

Stop by tables to learn more about the organizations on campus that help support postdoctoral fellows, and pick up some free swag. 

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will be giving away free Michigan postdocs t-shirts while supplies last, plus stickers and more! 

No formal registration necessary for the Info Fair. Feel free to drop by as you are able.

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Taking Charge of Your Postdoctoral Experience workshop

Available Seats 40 Registration Closes: September 18, 2026 - 12:00am
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Rackham Graduate School (Horace H.) (Common Room, lower level (basement))
Anne-Sophie Bohrer, PhD and Joel Devonshire, PhD

Are you beginning your postdoctoral training or looking to maximize your current postdoctoral experience? This interactive workshop during National Postdoc Appreciation Week will equip you with the essential tools and frameworks to thrive in your postdoctoral role while building the foundation for your future career.

At the end of the session, you will be able to:

  • Define the roles and expectations of a postdoctoral fellow
  • Apply effective communication strategies to set shared expectations
  • Assess your current and future mentoring needs to build a robust mentoring network
  • Take ownership of your postdoctoral experience by developing a strategic career plan

This event is open to ALL postdocs, regardless of their level of experience.

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2026 National Postdoc Appreciation Week
You May Choose As Many Sessions As You Want