The UCalgary Postdoctoral Office is celebrating the 8th annual Postdoc Appreciation Week from September 21 - 25 to highlight our community's important work and significant contributions.
Monday, September 21
PDAW Kick-off Breakfast
Join us as we officially launch Postdoctoral Appreciation Week with a celebratory breakfast recognizing the outstanding contributions of postdoctoral scholars to the University of Calgary's research community.
An Elder/Traditional Knowledge Holder will open the event with a traditional ceremony. Connect with Associate Deans (Research), fellow postdocs and faculty members while enjoying a complimentary breakfast. This is a wonderful opportunity to build your network, celebrate your achievements, and learn about the exciting events planned throughout the week.
Bonus! The first 50 registered attendees who check in at the event will receive a FREE Active Living Centre pass, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the fitness and recreational facilities at the University of Calgary.
Registration is required, and spaces are limited. We look forward to celebrating with you and recognizing the important role postdoctoral scholars play in advancing research, innovation, and discovery at the University of Calgary.
Monday, September 21 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus | Collision Space, Hunter Hub 4th Floor, HNSC
Know Your Research Environment
Navigating the postdoctoral experience is easier when you know what resources, supports, and opportunities are available to you. Join us for Know Your Research Environment, an informative session designed to help postdocs better understand their role within the research community and connect with the organizations and resources that support them.
Hear from representatives from the Postdoctoral Association of Canada (PDAC), the Postdoc Parent Support Group, the CSM Grant Development Office, and others as they share insights on postdoc resources, professional development opportunities, workplace supports, and ways to make the most of your postdoctoral experience.
Whether you are new to your postdoc or looking to better navigate the research environment, this session will help you feel informed, connected, and empowered.
Monday, September 21 | 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m
Location: Foothills Campus | O1500
High Tea
Join fellow postdocs from across the Cumming School of Medicine for an afternoon of refined refreshments and delightful conversation, featuring an exquisite selection of tea blends, elegant finger sandwiches, and the finest china. Because every now and then, science deserves a little sparkle, a little sophistication, and a proper tea service.
This event offers an opportunity to step away from the lab, connect with colleagues from different research areas, share experiences, and celebrate the important work that postdocs contribute to research and innovation.
Whether you are meeting new colleagues, reconnecting with familiar faces, or simply taking time for a well-deserved break, this High Tea is a chance to come together, enjoy a touch of elegance, and recognize the incredible impact of our postdoc community.
After all, great ideas can happen anywhere, but they’re even better when accompanied by tea and a few good conversations.
Monday, September 21 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Foothills | Azrieli Atrium
Tuesday, September 22
Chair Yoga: Recharge between Experiments, Emails and Everything Else
Step away from the lab, office, or computer for a rejuvenating chair yoga session designed to release tension, improve mobility, and support well-being. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this accessible session offers a chance to slow down, stretch out, and take a moment to celebrate yourself
Tuesday, September 22 | 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Foothills Campus | W21C Multipurpose Room (Ground Floor, Cal Wenzel)
Building Together - Network and Facilitated Lego Session
Step away from your usual research routine and join Dr. Julia Jacobs LeVan, certified LEGO instructor and your Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral Research, for a creative and collaborative LEGO experience!
This interactive session invites postdocs to explore communication, innovation, and problem-solving through hands-on building activities designed to inspire new perspectives and strengthen connections across the research community.
Tuesday, September 22 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Foothills Campus | O1500
Headshot Photography Sessions
These professional headshots are great for symposiums, social profiles, job applications, and more. This year, postdocs can choose from three days: one day at the Foothills Campus, one day at the Main Campus, and a third day with sessions at both campuses.
As spaces are limited, you can only sign up for one time slot.
You must use your UCalgary credentials to access the headshot booking platform.
Tuesday Sept. 22
Foothills Campus
Health Sciences Centre | Room 1464B
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Foothills Campus
Health Sciences Centre | Room 1464B
Wednesday Sept. 23
Main Campus
MacKimmie Tower | 7th Floor | MT 735
Thursday Sept. 24
Main Campus
MacKimmie Tower | 7th Floor | MT 735
Wednesday, September 23
Humor Us: Translating Science Through Comedy & Ice Cream Social
Can you explain your research and make people laugh at the same time? Humor Us: Translating Science Through Comedy challenges postdocs to transform their research into an engaging, entertaining presentation. Whether your work is in the lab, the clinic, or the field, this is your chance to practice communicating science in a way that connects with any audience.
Participants will have 10-15 minutes and unlimited slides to deliver their performance. Along the way, you’ll receive coaching, feedback, and support from the hilarious CSM Grant Development Office staff to help refine your story and boost your presentation skills. Winners will receive prizes and every presenter will leave with valuable feedback and a fresh perspective on science communication.
Wednesday, September 23 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Foothills Campus | Libin Theatre
Thursday, September 24
Science Zumba
Put down the pipette, close the laptop, and find your rhythm! Join Zumba instructor Paola Santoscoy and your fellow postdocs for a fun and energetic Zumba session that combines movement, music, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just here for the fun, everyone is welcome to join the experiment.
Thursday, September 24 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Foothills Campus | W21C
Mission Samosa: The Fuel Before the Escape
Power up before the escape room challenge with a samosa social designed to bring postdocs together for food, conversation, and connection. Grab a snack, meet your teammates, and get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test!
Please RSVP so we can provide sufficient fuel!
*Kindly sponsored and supported by Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
Thursday, September 24 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Foothills Campus | W21C
The Great Postdoc Escape
Step away from your research routine and into an afternoon of puzzles, teamwork, and adventure! Join fellow postdocs for an escape room experience that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and connection.
Come with your own crew or meet new teammates during Mission Samosa: The Fuel Before the Escape before embarking on the challenge. Work together, think outside the box, and see if your team has what it takes to crack the clues and complete the mission!
The escape room experience will run throughout the afternoon, and you are welcome to join for as much of the session as your schedule allows. Whether you stay for the full mission or drop in for part of the adventure, we look forward to having you with us!
Thursday, September 24 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Friday, September 25
Reach New Heights: Climbing Wall Challenge
Whether you're a first-time climber or have experience scaling walls, this fun and supportive session is a great opportunity to try something new, build confidence, and connect with fellow postdocs in an active and encouraging environment. Certified instructors will provide guidance, safety instruction, and all the equipment you need to get started.
Climbing is a fantastic way to relieve stress, improve focus, and celebrate your accomplishments while having fun with colleagues from across campus.
No previous climbing experience is required. All climbing equipment will be provided—just wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Friday, September 25 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Main Campus | Kinesiology Building
Refuel & Reconnect
Enjoy a complimentary meal while taking the opportunity to connect, unwind, and build relationships with postdoctoral colleagues from across campus. Whether you want to meet new people, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a quiet moment away from your desk, this casual gathering is a chance to recharge and celebrate the postdoctoral community.
Friday, September 25 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Main Campus | MT 735, MacKimmie Tower
Cellphone Photography Workshop
Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply enjoy taking photos with your phone, this interactive workshop will introduce you to practical tips and techniques for capturing beautiful images using the camera you carry every day. Learn about composition, lighting, perspective, and creative storytelling while exploring campus through a fresh lens.
This is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow postdocs, and express your creativity outside of your research environment. No special equipment or photography experience is required—just bring your cellphone and your curiosity!
Friday, September 25 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Main Campus | MT 735, MacKimmie Tower
A Little Scoop of Appreciation
Wrap up your day with a well-deserved treat at our Postdoctoral Appreciation Week Ice Cream Social!
Postdoctoral Appreciation Week is all about recognizing the incredible contributions of our postdocs to research, innovation, and the University of Calgary community. Join us for an afternoon of conversation, laughter, and a sweet celebration of everything you do!
No presentations, no agenda—just ice cream, great company, and an opportunity to relax and celebrate together.
Friday, September 25 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Main Campus | MT 735, MacKimmie Tower
Additional Events
National Postdoc Appreciation Week
The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is hosting the sixth virtual, multi-institutional NPAW celebration! This initiative was started to connect postdocs while the world was largely virtual. NPA is continuing the tradition by working with organizations to highlight events that are open to postdocs from across the world.
Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars
From September 14 - 18, 2026