-M.png "NPAW 2025")
As the leaves turn and we embrace the energy of fall, it is the perfect moment to celebrate the incredible contributions postdocs make to research, innovation, and society. Being a postdoc is both inspiring and challenging. We pursue knowledge, push the boundaries of discovery, and contribute ideas that can change lives—yet, the path is rarely easy. In recent years, global uncertainty, shifting funding landscapes, and the constant balancing of research and personal well-being have added layers of challenge. Through it all, postdocs have persisted, asking tough questions, advancing science, and shaping the world around us. This persistence is not just resilience; it is leadership. We are mentors, innovators, and creators of knowledge in this very moment. The SOT Postdoctoral Assembly (PDA) is committed to ensuring the postdoctoral experience is defined not by scarcity and uncertainty but by opportunity and recognition.
This year’s theme for the upcoming National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW), September 15–19, is “Communicating Your Science and Research,” highlighting a skill central to our impact. Our ability to share insights, connect our work with broader audiences, and translate discoveries into action is just as important as the research itself. Postdocs are not simply “in training”—we are leaders, mentors, and innovators today. Effective communication opens doors, inspires collaboration, and turns ideas into impact.
In alignment with this theme, and beyond NPAW, the SOT PDA is proud to host a series of webinars on translating our impactful research into entrepreneurial ventures. The skills we develop in the lab—critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving—also drive innovation beyond academia. Whether our paths lead to research, entrepreneurship, or policy, our ability to communicate and apply our science allows us to turn ideas into lasting change. You can find more information about our webinar series, including the webinar recordings, on the SOT PDA webpage. The first webinar, “Exploring Entrepreneurial Paths: Turning Your Scientific Training into a Business Venture (Part 1),” will be held September 18, 1:00–2:00 pm, and there is still time to register. Our next webinar in the series will be held November 4, 1:00–2:00 pm, so save the date!
2025 Best Postdoctoral Publication Award recipeints:
Thomas Jackson (left), Katherine Roth (middle),
and Jing Zheng (right)
We also encourage postdoctoral fellows to apply for the Best Postdoctoral Publication Award, which recognizes outstanding work accomplished during formal, mentored postdoctoral traineeships. It is an opportunity to showcase your research excellence and highlight the impact of your contributions within and beyond the postdoctoral community.
Finally, join our “Bench-to-Benefit” video and postdoc “Shout-Out” campaigns on SOT social media next week to celebrate the diverse voices of the postdoctoral community. These stories inspire others and remind us of the strength and creativity postdocs bring to research every day.
The Fall 2025 articles on volunteer opportunities for postdocs to gain mentoring experience at the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, the value of an in-person position as your first career move, information on SOT PDA upcoming activities and opportunities for SOT postdocs.
As we celebrate these moments, we honor not only our discoveries but the persistence, vision, and humanity we bring to our work. Our contributions matter, our voice matters, and our potential is limitless. Together, we can foster a research culture that values, supports, and amplifies the work of postdoctoral researchers everywhere.
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