Postdoc Appreciation Week 2025

15 September 2025 16:00 - 19 September 2025 14:00

From 15–19 September 2025, Maastricht University and MUMC+ will join the first Postdoc Appreciation Week NL (PAW-NL), a national initiative to recognise and celebrate the contributions of postdoctoral researchers.

We are pleased to share with you the MUMC+/UM programme, with inspiring talks, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored especially for our postdoctoral community. Below you’ll find the details and registration links/methods per event.

Postdoc Networking Drinks (by CAPHRI)

Date & time: Monday 15 September, 16:00–17:00
Description: CAPHRI invites all CAPHRI-postdocs to join this networking event at Bar Bistro SAAM, with drinks and a welcoming atmosphere!
Registration: by invitation only

Kick-off Seminar & Networking Drinks

Date & time: Tuesday 16 September, 15:30–17:30
Location: Greepzaal, MUMC+ (Level 4)
Description: The official UM/MUMC+ PAW-NL kick-off. The programme includes a welcome by Vice Dean Stef Kremers on Recognition & Rewards, a session by the Staff Career Centre (Hanneke Wessels on career paths for young researchers), and inspiring pitches from postdoc alumni. The seminar will be followed by networking drinks on the Level 4 terrace.
Registration: Please complete the form (here) by September 8. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

FEM Event: Inspiring Career Paths I (by FEM and UM)

Date & time: Wednesday 17 September, 10:00–13:30
Location: room 6.206, level 6 mid UNS50, Randwyck Campus
Description: In this session, invited female leaders from a variety of professional fields will share their career journeys, challenges, and defining moments. This is followed by a panel discussion and networking lunch.
Registration: https://forms.gle/hWvmgxqBzqtowbvx6

Brightminds Workshop: Unlock Your Impact Beyond Academia (by Brightlands)

Date & time: Wednesday 17 September, 14:30–17:00
Location: Lambert van Kleeftoren, S.N2.010 (Verg.zaal 0.01)
Description: Every research project has the potential to generate impact; but turning science into real-world applications requires more than great ideas. It takes direction, collaboration, and the right ecosystem. At Brightlands MHC, we work closely with researchers at UM and MUMC+ to transform innovations into tangible value for society. Curious to unlock the full potential of your research? In this interactive workshop, we will explore how to maximize the impact of your work. Find out about new ways to advance your (academic) career by recognizing the innovativeness of your research. Join us to identify your unique value propositions and get informed about support and (funding) opportunities in the Brightlands innovation ecosystem. Get inspired to bring your science to society!
Registration: https://www.brightlands.com/en/maastricht-health-campus/event/brightminds-unlock-your-impact-beyond-academia

Workshop: Personal Branding & Presentation (by FEM)

Date & time: Thursday 18 September, 09:30–16:30
Location: NH Hotel, Maastricht
Description: A full-day interactive workshop to help you define your unique value, communicate with confidence, and refine your personal pitch. Participants will practice delivering a one-minute pitch and receive feedback.
Registration: via SuccessFactors (search Personal Branding & Presentation). The workshop is fully booked, but please add yourself to the waiting list in case spots become available!

Postdoc Roundtable (by Maastricht Young Academy)

Date & time: Thursday 18 September, 10:00–13:00
Description: The discussion will reflect on the challenges and uncertainties faced by postdocs within the academic environment, with attention to broader structural dynamics. Participants will exchange perspectives on how universities can better support continuity, professional growth, and long-term engagement. Insights from the session will be captured in a shared statement from participating postdocs, intended to contribute constructively to ongoing conversations about postdoc policy and development at UM.
Registration: by invitation only

Walk & Lunch (by Prevention & Vitality)

Date & time: Thursday 18 September, 12:00–13:00
Location: Oxfordlaan 55 – In front of the Brightlands Building
Description: Take a moment to pause and reconnect during Postdoc Appreciation Week. You are warmly invited to join a 25-minute mindful walk in a quiet area on or near campus. This walk is all about relaxation, awareness, and presence. You’ll be guided to walk in silence, paying attention to your breath, your body, and the environment. No prior experience with mindfulness is needed — just an open mind. Join us and discover how a short mindful break can restore your energy and focus. We look forward to seeing you there!
Registration: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ZjsnCBAizUCLIFz2zdwnmiAC1LBzsbRFjZLDbKGmTv5UMUlUT0pUWVJXVUtaSDQwOUIxOThFUlZKVy4u

FEM Event: Inspiring Career Paths II

Date & time: Thursday 18 September, 13:30–15:00
Location: M5.01, UNS60 (Co-Greepzaal), Randwyck Campus
Description: A second panel of inspiring female leaders will share their stories and insights, followed by an open discussion and Q&A.
Registration: https://forms.gle/yUckQfSc3B3t3iEw8

University Library Services Talk (by the University Library)

Date & time: Friday 19 September, 10:00–11:00
Location: M5.01, UNS60 (Co-Greepzaal), Randwyck Campus
Description: Have you ever wondered what the University Library can do for you? Join us to learn more about the University library’s offer for postdocs and about the tools and services we have to help you progress in your career.
As part of Postdoc appreciation week, the University Library will give a talk on the trainings, services and tools that postdocs can use. The talk will include information about responsible impact assessment, for when your work is being evaluated for funding or promotion.
Registration: https://library.maastrichtuniversity.nl/course/the-university-library-for-postdocs/

Postdoc Picnic (by GROW Postdoc Representatives)

Date & time: Friday 19 September, 13:00–14:00
Location: UNS50 reception desk
Description: Do you want to enjoy with us some late summer feelings, and share some food and thoughts? We, the GROW postdoc representatives, invite all postdocs for a picnic! Although some drinks and small pastries will be offered, please bring your own food and additional drinks to be shared with others. We are looking forward to meet you then! Nicky, Charlotte and Janine
Registration: If you want to participate, please send an email to j.ziemons@maastrichtuniversity.nl before September 15th.