This year, the second edition of the Postdoc Appreciation Week NL (PAW_NL) will take place from September 21–25, 2026. During the Postdoc Appreciation Week the APH research institute organizes different (free of charge) activities for their postdoctoral researchers. Register now for these activities to learn some skills and to boost your career! 

PechaKucha workshop

Join us on Friday, September 18, just before the start of Postdoc Appreciation Week, for an interactive workshop on the innovative and engaging PechaKucha presentation method.

Communicating your research effectively is an essential skill. But how do you create a presentation that is clear, engaging, and memorable? During this interactive workshop, science communicator Hans van de Water will introduce you to the principles of this creative presentation format and help you develop the skills to present your research in a clear, engaging, and impactful way.

Hans van de Water, science communicator and founder of The Floor is Yours, believes life is too short for boring and unclear presentations. With more than 10 years of experience, workshops by The Floor is Yours are considered a true game changer by participants.

  • Date: Friday, September 18 (Prior to the Postdoc Appreciation Week) 
  • Time: 10:00 - 13:00 
  • Target audience: APH postdoctoral researchers
  • Location: VU/VUmc, NU-gebouw

Participation is free of charge, but places are limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.

Career panel & lunch talk

Join us on Tuesday, September 22, to discover career perspectives and opportunities from in and outside academia together with your peers. 

As a postdoc, your career can still go in many directions, but what do these options actually look like? During this career panel, speakers from both within and outside academia will help you gain a clearer picture of the possibilities. The speakers will be announced soon. A lunch will be provided, and there will be time for networking.

  • Date: Tuesday, September 22

  • Time: 11:00 - 13:00 
  • Target audience: APH postdoctoral researchers
  • Location: VU/VUmc

Participation is free of charge. Register here.

Professional portrait

Join us on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 or Friday 25 September to get your professional portrait taken by a professional photographer to boost your visibility.

A professional portrait photo can make a powerful first impression while conveying trust, credibility, and confidence. Whether used within or beyond academia, it is a valuable asset for both personal and professional purposes, helping you build a strong personal brand and a positive professional reputation.

  • Dates: Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, Friday 25 September 
  • Target audience: all postdoctoral researchers of the research institutes
  • Location: AMC (Tuesday & Friday) & VUmc (Wednesday)

Participation is free of charge. Register here.

Spotlight on APH postdocs

Keep an eye on the APH communication channels and be inspired by your fellow postdocs' research projects, postdoc experiences, and personal journeys.

Every day during Postdoc Appreciation Week, we will shine a spotlight on an APH postdoctoral researcher through a featured interview. Keep an eye on the APH communication channels to read their stories:

We look forward to seeing you during Postdoc Appreciation Week!