National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) 2026
During the week of Monday, September 21 – Friday, September 25, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) invites all postdoctoral scholars to join us in celebrating National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW)!
NPAW is an annual celebration of the vital contributions postdocs make to the university and our community. It is also a time to welcome new postdocs to our talented community and to celebrate current postdocs!
Below is a comprehensive list of NPAW events and giveaways that are free and open to all Northwestern postdoctoral scholars courtesy of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS), and Proteintech Group.
Monday, September 21
Chicago Lunch
12:00–1:00 PM │ Abbott Hall, TGS Conference Room – Room 332 (710 N. Lake Shore Drive)
Presented by the TGS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and TGS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS)
Join the OPA and GPS for lunch to celebrate NPAW! Vegan and gluten-free options will be available. Giveaways while supplies last! Registration is required, and space is limited.
REGISTER FOR THE CHICAGO LUNCH
Chicago Headshot Clinic
2:00–5:00 PM │ Abbott Hall, TGS Conference Room – Room 332 (710 N. Lake Shore Drive)
Presented by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Do you need a professional headshot? The OPA is offering a free headshot clinic for postdocs! Sign up below to reserve a spot.
Please note: The photographer will use a grey background and recommends participants wear solid colors and avoid large patterns.
Tuesday, September 22
Chicago Donut Drop Giveaway
9:30–11:30 AM │ Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, Ryan Family Atrium (303 E. Superior Street)Presented by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and Proteintech Group
Enjoy free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts courtesy of the OPA and Proteintech! Vegan and gluten-free options will be available. Registration is not required; while supplies last. You must present the Tuesday Donut Drop Pass (delivered to your email Tuesday morning) to participate.
Wednesday, September 23
Virtual Orientation: Child and Family Information Session
12:00–1:00 PM │ Zoom Webinar
Presented by Human Resources (HR) Well-Being
Join Well-Being Program Manager Micaela Moran for an overview of the well-being and caregiving benefits offered to Northwestern postdocs. Registration is required.
Thursday, September 24
Evanston Donut Drop Giveaway
9:30–11:30 AM │ Technological Institute, Cohen Commons (2145 Sheridan Road)
Presented by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Enjoy free coffee and donuts from Stan's Donuts courtesy of the OPA! Vegan and gluten-free options will be available. Registration is not required; while supplies last. You must present the Thursday Donut Drop Pass (delivered to your email Thursday morning) to participate.
Evanston Lunch
12:00–1:00 PM │ Technological Institute, Cohen Commons (2145 Sheridan Road)
Presented by the TGS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and TGS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS)
Join the OPA and GPS for lunch to celebrate NPAW! Vegan and gluten-free options will be available. Giveaways while supplies last! Registration is required, and space is limited.
Friday, September 25
Evanston Headshot Clinic
2:00–5:00 PM │ Rebecca Crown Center – North Tower, Graduate School Conference Room (633 Clark Street)
Presented by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Do you need a professional headshot? The OPA is offering a free headshot clinic for postdocs! Sign up below to reserve a spot.
Please note: The photographer will use a grey background and recommends participants wear solid colors and avoid large patterns.
