Postdoc Appreciation Day
Postdoc Appreciation Day
The Story of Postdocs Is Still Being Written, and This Year’s Postdocs Are a Part of That Story.
This year marks 150 years of the postdoc position in the United States! Join the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for a day celebrating the people who are continuing that story today, GW’s postdocs.
Connect with fellow postdocs and university leadership, share your research, make your voice heard, explore resources, prepare for your next career step, and celebrate everything GW postdocs have accomplished this year.
Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
University Student Center, Rooms 310 & 311
800 21st Street NW, Washington, DC
What's Happening:
Coffee with Leadership
Start the day with coffee and conversation with the President and other university leaders.
Keynote Speaker
Celebrate 150 years of postdocs and look ahead to the future of the postdoctoral experience with Keynote Speaker: Dr. Evangeline Downie, Interim Vice President for Research.
Town Hall
Bring your questions, ideas, concerns, and suggestions to a conversation centered on the GW postdoc experience.
Submit a Question or Topic
Submissions may be anonymous.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch and connect with postdocs from across GW.
Can you explain your research in three minutes and one slide?
Can you explain your research in three minutes and one slide?
GW postdocs are invited to take the stage for our Lightning Talks Competition, where participants will have just three minutes and one static slide to explain their research in language that is engaging and accessible to a non-academic audience.
First Place — $500 Second Place — $350 Third Place — $250 People’s Choice — $250
Resource Fair
Explore resources, services, and opportunities available to GW postdocs and connect directly with offices from across the university.
Professional Headshots
Refresh your professional profile with a complimentary professional headshot. Headshots will be available during the Resource Fair.
Career Development
Choose the session that fits where you're headed next:
Private Sector — Hone your résumé for careers beyond academia.
Academia — Strengthen your CV for the academic job market.
Happy Hour
Finish the day with drinks, refreshments, and time to connect and celebrate with the GW postdoc community.