Affinity groups connect postdoctoral fellows and other members of the Northwestern community by affiliation, including: ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and professional interests. These clubs offer a wide variety of networking, professional development, and social events to their members. Check the list below to see if there’s a group that’s right for you.
The benefits and services provided by Northwestern University’s student/postdoctoral groups are available to all students/postdocs without regard to any category protected by the law. The University believes different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are critical to a dynamic and vibrant University community, and as such all students/postdocs are welcomed and encouraged to join each group.
If you are the leader of a group and would like to include it on the list here, please email the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: postdocs@northwestern.edu
Northwestern University’s Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance aims to foster a community among postdoctoral fellows and graduate students pursuing careers in management and discipline-specific consulting, including providing resources to explore careers and connecting members with employers through events like the annual Advanced Degree Consulting Summit.
The Chicago Women in STEM Initiative aims to build a community composed of Chicago-area students, postdoctoral scholars, and professionals, to support the success of women in STEM.
CSSA is dedicated to promoting social, intellectual, and cultural activities for Chinese students and scholars, including organizing festival celebrations and support for job searches.
IGSAA serves the Indian and larger South Asian graduate and postdoctoral fellow community at Northwestern. IGSSA promotes community building within this community (and the Northwestern graduate community at large) through social and service events that are often associated with Indian/South Asian customs.
IRSA is dedicated to promoting social, intellectual, and cultural activities for Iranian students and scholars at Northwestern, as well as interested members of the campus community. IRSA also strives to provide opportunities and support for its members by connecting current students with Iranian alumni.
NUBAO is a graduate student-led public outreach initiative dedicated to educating, exciting, and inspiring the Chicago community about the brain. Founded in 2010, as part of the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience PhD Program, NUBAO consists of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff from various departments and scientific disciplines at Northwestern University.
Northwestern Chicago Out Network is a campus- and affiliate-wide networking group for LGBT-identified individuals and allies. It currently draws faculty, staff, postdoc, and student participants from the medical school, law school, graduate school, and affiliated hospitals and clinics.
The Northwestern Curling Club is a community-building club dedicated to teaching and playing the winter sport of curling. Events are free and take place at the Chicago Curling Club in Northbrook, IL. They host weekly lessons, games, and social events. No prior curling experience is required to participate.
NETG’s mission is to advance the research and development of sustainable energy technologies, by providing educational and collaborative opportunities for the Northwestern community. NETG collaborates extensively with other groups to invite speakers, organize discussions, and educate people about today's energy issues.
Founded in 2013, the Northwestern Public Health Review endeavors to stimulate the exchange and cross-pollination of public health ideas, resources and opportunities across the Northwestern community and beyond. Through multiple channels, the student-run NPHR offers opportunities for learning and reporting on public health issues.
The Northwestern Swing Dance Syndicate promotes stronger community via swing dancing - lindy hop, blues, balboa, and a range of other dances. They host lessons throughout the year, as well as organizing all-Chicago dance events with nationally renowned swing bands. The group is open to everyone in the Northwestern community, from beginners to advanced dancers.
NuTango is a student-run organization at Northwestern University for Argentine Tango. NuTango is dedicated to providing a friendly and fun environment to learn and dance Argentine Tango. NuTango has lead and follow roles available to people of all genders, and embraces alternative Tango music, as well as traditional ones. They are open to everyone in the Northwestern community, as well as the general public. NuTango hosts weekly lessons, workshops with guest instructors, milongas, practicas, and special events with other organizations.
The Muslim Cultural Students Association is a community-oriented organization that promotes the human values that Islam emphasizes through activities like Discover Islam Week, philanthropy food drives, Ramadan dinners, and tutoring younger students.
The Postdocs with Children Canvas Group connects postdoctoral fellows at Northwestern who have or who are about to have children and serves as a forum to share resources and support. The group also provides updates on relevant deadlines, events and new resources from the Work/Life and Family Resources office. To join, please contact Lesley Lundeen at (lesley.lundeen@northwestern.edu).
QPGSA is an award-winning social, advocacy, and academic group for the LGBTQ+ graduate student and postdoc communities at Northwestern. Founded in 2005, their membership now includes more than 400 individuals. QPGSA is committed to developing an affirming sense of community among the LGBTQ+ graduate students.
SPOT is a non-partisan organization of Northwestern University researchers focused on advocating for science, evidence-based reasoning, and scientifically-sound policy to the voting-aged public and policymakers. Members have the opportunity to learn and put effective science advocacy into political action through events to educate voters, meetings to educate and collaborate with policymakers, educational seminars to learn about the interface of science and policy, and activities with external science policy entities.
WISER is a graduate student organization at Northwestern University. They work towards building community among graduate and postdoctoral women in STEM fields, promoting & advancing women's leadership in STEM, and sponsoring workshops & seminars focused on professional skills development for early-career women in the sciences.