(PAW) was started in the USA in 2009 to recognise the significant contributions that postdocs make to research and discovery. 

In recognition of the postdocs who make 51³Ô¹ÏÍø a leading research and educational institution, ECRI, the PAW Committee and the Postdoc and Fellows Reps host a variety of events, both virtual and in person, to mark PAW at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. These activities will run alongside other . 

Previous PAW events

Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) 2025

In 2025, PAW took place between 15-21 September. Events included:

  • Promotions Briefing Session
  • Fireside Chat: Your Postdoc Journey at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø - Panel event
  • ECRI Awards and Celebration
  • Inter-department postdoc community lunches
  • Coffee mornings (hosted by Postdoc Reps)
Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) 2024

In 2024, PAW took place between 16-20 September. Events included:

  • International Postdoc Event (hosted by Postdoc Reps)
  • Ask Us Anything - ECRI Session
  • Panel Event: Transition to independence
  • Panel Event: Careers Beyond Academia
  • Workshop: Increasing Your Visibility
  • Games Night (hosted by Postdoc Reps)
  • Inter-department lunches
Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) 2023

In 2023, PAW took place between 18-22 September. Events included:

  • Welcome event: What the PFDC can do to support you
  • Q&A with Associate Provosts (EDI)
  • Transition to Independence Panel Event
  • Creating Connections and rediscovering joy session
  • Taming your inner critic
  • Crafting your Professional Narrative
  • Department of Brain Sciences Event: Future Science Leaders new season event
  • Games with Move 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in South Kensington
  • Networking in Hammersmith

The week was also marked by a series of appreciation messages from across 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, which can be viewed below: 

Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) 2022

In 2022, PAW took place between 20-23 September. Events included:

  • Welcome event: What the PFDC can do to support you
  • Q&A with Vice-Provost (Research & Enterprise)
  • Crafting your professional narrative – Increasing your visibility
  • Taming your inner critic
  • IPFEN and IPC event: Boost your research career by working with industry
  • Pathways for Postdocs Panel Event: Where will your career take you?
  • Fellowship interviews - In Person Event
  • Networking in South Kensington 

The week was also marked by a series of appreciation messages from across 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, which can be viewed below: 

Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) 2021

In 2021, PAW took place between 20-24 September. Events included: 

  • Q&A with the Provost
  • Pop-up: Increasing visibility – social media for academics
  • Workshop: Taming your inner critic
  • Pop-up: LinkedIn - How to build your profile and how to make the most out of it
  • Pop-up: Starting to think about a fellowship application
  • EDU: Teaching for postdocs
  • Workshop: Getting the best from people – Mentoring and coaching
  • IPFEN and IPC event: Boost your research career by working with industry 
Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) 2020

In 2020, PAW took place between 21-25 September. Events included: 

  • HoD virtual ‘coffee and cake’
  • “Transition to independence and leadership” panel discussion, followed by Q&A
  • “Postdoc life in a pandemic panel discussion”, followed by Q&A
  • Networks: How to Build, Maintain and Make the most of your Network