Postdoc Appreciation Week
21 - 25 September 2026
Let’s celebrate and showcase the fantastic contributions of postdocs in Germany to research, teaching, administration and more!
This year marks the fifth annual Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW) in Germany. PAW is an annual week of events designed to recognise postdocs and increase the visibility of their contributions to the academic system in Germany and around the world. In 2022, the Munich Postdoc Network teamed up with the Research and Innovation Services of the Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH) to establish this fantastic initiative in Germany!
Together we have been collaborating with different research institutions, organisations and postdoc networks across Germany to offer a collective program with events and activities for postdocs during PAW. We are thrilled that many of our collaborators are equally exited about this initiative and look forward to what is yet to come.
We would like to extend our special thanks to the following people for coordinating this remarkable initiative:
- Our colleagues from the LUH: Anneke Meyer, Luisa Gödeke and Maria Leuteritz
- Petya Jordan from Humboldt University, Berlin
- Camila Hernandez Frederick from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and a member of the Munich Postdoc Network Board
- Previous PAW team members: Britta Lesniak, Annabel Friedrichs, Neele Meyer and Gordana Kovacevic
PAW 2026
The Munich Postdoc Network will be hosting the second Munich Postdoc Night on 15 September 2026 in preparation for the PAW 2026 as well as an online event on “Abuse of Power in Academia”.
Check the events and the participating institutions:
Amplify Your Career: Self-Promotion and Networking Skills for Postdocs
more
In this session, Lina Spagert, Ronja Philipp & Dr. Manuela Tischler will present initial findings from their research project MiA – Making Abuse of Power in Academia Visible and Preventing It. Together, we will explore different forms of abuse of power within academic institutions, examine factors that contribute to its emergence, and discuss structural and cultural changes that could help address and prevent it more effectively. In addition, we will provide an overview of relevant support and reporting structures as well as practical recommendations for affected individuals, leaders, and those working in support and advisory roles within academia. In the second part of the session, participants will be invited to reflect on their own experiences, perspectives, and practices related to abuse of power in academia. Through a moderated exchange, we aim to create a space for collegial dialogue, shared learning, and the development of new perspectives.
more
Check out the PAW website and the program for the PAW 2024, follow our X/Twitter account (@PAW_Germany), our LinkedIn page or get involved by joining our social media campaign!
more
