The University of Connecticut's Postdoc Working Group, in partnership with The Graduate School, invites you to register and participate in the Second Annual Postdoc Research Day as part of the 2026 National Postdoc Appreciation Week. This one-day research event will be held at the Rome Ball Room, Storrs Campus, on Wednesday September 23, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event is designed to provide postdoctoral scholars with an opportunity to present their research to a general audience while participating in professional development training that prepares them for the next steps in their careers. 

Timeline:  

Postdocs from all UConn campuses, with the exception of UConn Health, are encouraged to register and participate in the 2026 Postdoc Research Day. The competition will feature a maximum of 30 poster presentations. In addition, up to 20 postdocs will be selected to deliver a three-minute presentation about their research to a general audience. All postdocs are welcome to present their research.

Since space is limited, participation will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of a complete application. Selections will also take into consideration equitable representation across UConn's schools, colleges, departments, and institutes. 

To help participants prepare for the competition, all selected presenters will be required to attend a mandatory practice session, either in person at the Whetten Graduate Center, Giolas Conference Room, second floor or virtually via Microsoft Teams from Monday August 17 through Friday August 21. During the practice session, judges will provide constructive feedback to help presenters strengthen their presentations before the competition.

Please note that all oral presentations must be no longer than three minutes. Interested postdocs are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as registration opens, as available presentation spots will be filled on a rolling basis.

Submit Your Application Here

Applicants who submit their applications after all oral presentation slots have been filled may be placed on a waitlist and will be notified if an oral presentation opportunity becomes available. Selected postdocs will have the opportunity to present their research through a three-minute oral presentation. All interested postdocs are also welcome to participate in the poster presentation session.

On the registration form, please indicate whether you would like to be considered for an oral presentation, a poster presentation only, or both. Postdocs participating only in the poster presentation are encouraged to drop off their posters at The Graduate School front desk by September 22, 2026. Alternatively, posters may be dropped off at the registration desk on the day of the event before the poster session begins. 

For postdocs (if you are not presenting), faculty members, staff, graduate students, and members of the UConn community who wish to attend the event to support their colleagues, lab mates, or department's representation, please RSVP for the event using this link.

Leading up to the event, The Graduate School will host two presentation workshops, including Designing Effective Presentations for postdocs. These workshops will also be open to graduate students. Additional information regarding directions, parking, and other event resources will be shared closer to the event date.

If you have questions about the Second Annual Postdoc Research Day, please contact The Graduate School by reaching out to Melanie V. Sinche at melanie.sinche@uconn.edu or Michael Inkoom Nyarko at rdu25001work@uconn.edu.

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