Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Week to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery. We hope that all supervisors recognize the efforts of their postdocs during this week of celebration.
UBC, and especially the PDFO, would like to take this opportunity to thank our postdocs for their hard work and for all the contributions they make to UBC's research enterprise.
2025 PDFO NATIONAL POSTDOC APPRECIATION WEEK EVENTS
This year, the PDFO is excited to host a series of both online and in-person events celebrating UBC's postdoc community.
Navigating the academic job search can be daunting. In our NPAW 2025 kickoff event, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Dean and Vice-Provost pro tem Dr. Shannon Hagerman and Strategic Advisor, Postdoctoral Affairs Dr. Jacquelyn Cragg look to demystify the academic job search process in this informal conversation.
Grant writing is an essential part of an academic career. In this panel, hear from faculty members with extensive experience in grant writing and securing funding from a variety of agencies. These experts will share their insights on what makes a grant proposal truly compelling and offer strategies for success in securing research funding. During this panel, we aim to discuss key topics including:
- The elements that make a research grant proposal stand out to reviewers
- Strategies for defining and refining research objectives when starting a proposal
- Effective ways to structure a narrative and tell your research ‘story’
- The importance of tailoring proposals to a sponsor’s mission, and how to do it effectively
- Tips for putting together realistic, fundable budgets
The PDFO’s tri-annual Orientation for Postdoctoral Fellows is designed to welcome new postdocs to UBC, introduce them to key aspects of the University, and provide opportunities to connect with fellow postdocs and various campus units.
This informative session will cover essential academic and campus-related topics to help postdocs and their families make the most of your postdoctoral experience at UBC. Presentations will be given by representatives from Health, Wellbeing and Benefits, Payroll, the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation, the Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO), and the UBC Postdoctoral Association.
New postdocs, as well as those who have not previously attended an orientation, are encouraged to attend.
The session will begin with an information fair and networking opportunity starting at 8:30 AM, and will conclude with a networking lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
Join Dr. Jacquelyn Cragg (Strategic Advisor, Postdoctoral Affairs) and Hourik Khanlian (Senior Manager, Postdoctoral Affairs) for an informal Coffee and Chat session with the PDFO. This is a wonderful opportunity for postdocs to connect with the PDFO team, ask questions, share experiences, and build a sense of community with fellow postdocs.
Enjoy coffee and light refreshments as you chat with colleagues and learn more about the resources and support available to you as a UBC postdoc.
Click here for more information and to register for the BCCHR Coffee and Chat.
Click here for more information and to register for the UBC - Point Grey Coffee and Chat.
Our traditional barbecue is back for another year! Postdocs are invited to join the Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) at the AMS Nest for check-in at 11:55 AM, with the barbecue kicking off at 12:00 PM. The event will run for approximately 1.5 hours.
Postdocs in attendance will have the chance to win exciting prizes, generously donated by both on- and off-campus partners.To be eligible for a prize, you must be present at the time of the draw.
Due to venue capacity and catering requirements, advance registration is required. The registration deadline of September 4 has been extended, and registrations are still being accepted.
OTHER ON-CAMPUS EVENTS
If your faculty, department/unit or research group will be offering events for National Postdoc Appreciation Week, please let us know!
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
The PDFO is pleased to feature a prize draw as a part of our in-person NPAW events, but we could not offer this draw without the generous support of our donors. We would like to thank the following organizations for their generous donations in support of 2025 National Postdoc Appreciation Week.
- False Creek Ferries
- Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
- Hyatt Regency Vancouver
- Loafe Café - Alumni Centre
- Museum of Vancouver
- UBC Opera
- UBC Recreation - Aquatic Centre
- UBC School of Music
- Vancouver Art Gallery