About National Postdoc Appreciation Week

Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Week to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and discovery.

Inspired by NPA's efforts, the Academy has featured our own programs below that support the professional growth of our postdoc community. Get involved and share this page throughout the week with your network! 

Postdoc Info Session

Join the Info Session onWednesday, September 20th:

Join our info session on Wednesday, September 20th at 11:00am ET. This free 30-minute session will give a brief overview on ways for postdocs to get involved with the New York Academy of Sciences, with a focus on the two programs below.

The info session will be recorded and available to registered participants. 

The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience (LLSN) aim to promote groundbreaking neuroscience research in the five boroughs of New York City by supporting the most innovative young researchers at a critical stage of their careers—their postdoctoral research—as they develop new ideas and directions that will help establish them as independent neuroscientists. 
The Scholarship is a three (3)-year award. Scholars will receive an annual stipend equal to 125% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral rate, according to postdoctoral year, a $3,000 one-time computer allowance, and an annual dependent care supplement.

The inaugural Scholar cohort hosted by the Academy was announced in June 2023. Applications for the 2024 cohort will open next month!
Application Timeline: • October 2023: Applications open for Leon Levy Scholarships • December 2023: Applications close for Leon Levy Scholarships • April 2024: Selected Scholars notified

In response to the urgent need to incorporate ethical and humanistic principles into the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI), the New York Academy of Sciences offers a new AI and Society post-doctoral fellowship program, in partnership with Arizona State University’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society. 
Promising young researchers from disciplines spanning computer science, the social sciences, and the humanities will be recruited to participate in a curated research program. Fellows’ time will be divided between New York City, Arizona State University, and on-site internships, working alongside seasoned researchers who are well-versed in academia, industry, or policy work.

Additional Programs

Don't miss your chance to register for the Academy's upcoming 3-week online course, "Increasing Influence, Impacting Policy: Training in Effective Communications with Policymakers". This course is delivered in partnership with Bayer Strategic Consulting's Mark Bayer, who specializes in helping scientists sharpen communication and leadership skills so they can get funding, accelerate career advancement, and build key professional relationships.

Designed exclusively for scientists, this program offers interactive sessions, personalized coaching, and proven communication strategies. Learn from experts, refine your self-recorded videos, and gain insights that have propelled past participants to success, including securing research funding and transitioning to coveted positions. 
Don't hesitate as places are limited! Elevate your career and make your voice heard where it matters most—register today!
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Our Science Alliance community prepares Students & Postdocs for successful careers through partnerships with universities, teaching hospitals and independent research facilities to drive excellence and cultivate a diverse STEM ecosystem.
Science Alliance events can be accessed year-round at free or discounted prices for the post-doc and student community. Check them out at NYAS.org.

The Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists recently announced the 2023 Blavatnik Regional Awards Honorees! The winning postdoctoral researchers will be awarded $30,000 each. Two Finalists in each disciplinary category will also be awarded $10,000 each in unrestricted funds.

Meet the Honorees

Joonho Lee, PhD

2023 Blavatnik Regional Awards Laureate Chemistry

Recognized for the development of state-of-the-art quantum chemistry algorithms for classical and quantum computers. Lee’s work aims to provide a microscopic understanding of emergent functional materials, including solar cells, electrocatalysts for the hydrogen economy, and optoelectronics. Lee has recently joined the faculty at Harvard University.

Zoe Yan, PhD

2023 Blavatnik Regional Awards Laureate Physical Sciences & Engineering

Recognized for developing the first quantum gas microscope on single, ultracold molecules and applying this technique to explore important phenomena relevant to high-temperature superconductors and other quantum materials. Yan’s work opened a new venue to study complex quantum phenomena previously inaccessible by other instruments and holds great potential in future quantum technologies.

Yanxiang Deng, PhD

2023 Blavatnik Regional Awards Laureate

Life Sciences

Recognized for developing a novel microfluidic method for “spatial-omics” to profile expression of RNA, proteins, and epigenetic markers across spatially organized groups of cells in tissues. Deng’s work has allowed us to construct a map of how RNA, proteins, and epigenetic markers are expressed across groups of cells with respect to cells’ relative positions. 

From our Community

In preparation of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we asked our community to #thankapostdoc.Check out some of the wonderful submissions we received below!

THANK A POSTDOC

"While performing independent, cutting-edge research, they join forces with experienced drug hunters to provide insights that are essential to innovation and the potential discovery of novel, high-impact medicines. The curiosity, expertise, and enthusiasm demonstrated every day by Pfizer’s Postdocs propels the entire organization towards breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.
Dear Lena, Brooke, Darren, Azar, and Veronica, we thank you and celebrate you – your hard work and unyielding scientific drive make the impossible, possible." - Your Colleagues at Pfizer 

THANK A POSTDOC

"Postdocs have had great impact on my work and career. Thank you!"

THANK A POSTDOC

"Postdocs are so intelligent! They assist our research in order to comprehend deeply or find a solution. Their research shows the importance process, data and evidence - according to the science. Postdoc researchers help me in studying my own experience with research. Their contribution can be so helpful in research, and also in our careers - it’s huge."

THANK A POSTDOC

"I have the best postdoc - inspiring, helpful, and kind!"

THANK A POSTDOC

"I’d like to thank postdocs for bringing forward applications that helped me in my own development. For example, we focus on presentation skills a lot. How you speak, read & listen to your audience and respond to them in the form of analytical thinking is a process that helps you build up yourself critically worthy of presentations exhibiting your skills to your audience."

THANK A POSTDOC

"My postdoc is always positive and supportive!"