About Postdoc Appreciation Week
Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Week to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery. Institutions from across the country and other parts of the world participate by holding special events. In 2010, this week was officially recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives. While the National Postdoc Appreciation Week is celebrated in September, at UC Davis we hold our local celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week in October each year.
UC Davis 2026 Postdoc Appreciation Week - October 12-16, 2026
The Graduate Student Association Appreciates Postdocs!
Postdoc Coffee Bagel Donut Day Kickoff
The Graduate Student Association is sponsoring the kickoff to Postdoc Appreciation Week with a special Postdoc offering of the popular CBDD - Coffee Bagel Donut Day. Swing by on your way into work and grab some treats!
Monday October 12, 2026
9:00 - 10:00 am
Graduate Commons, Walker Hall
A Moment To Breathe: Mindfulness Meditation for Postdocs
Join us for a 30-minute mindfulness meditation session with Neesha Patel, PhD, offered by Occupational Health Services. The session will include a brief introduction to mindfulness and a guided meditation. Campus resources for continuing your practice will also be shared.
Monday October 12, 2026
12:00 - 12:30 pm
Virtual
Register here
CA&ES Postdoc Meet and Greet - Bagels and Coffee with the Deans
In celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week, the CA&ES Dean and Associate Deans and Department Chairs are inviting all postdoctoral employees in our college to an informal bagels and coffee social. Come and meet your deans and department chairs, find out how things work, ask career questions, connect over shared research interests and chat. We will be serving coffee, bagels and pastries and we hope to see you there.
Tuesday October 13, 2026
9:00 - 10:00 am
North Lawn in front of Mrak Hall
(If in event of rain, the social will be held in the Mrak Hall lobby, on the first floor)
RSVP via email sent to CAES postdocs
Postdoc Bowling and Games Night
Join your fellow postdocs for an evening of bowling and games as postdocs take over the Memorial Union Games Area! Located in the basement of the main campus Memorial Union, the games area offers bowling, billiards, console and PC gaming, and board games. Kid-friendly event: volunteers will be available to help with children.
Tuesday October 13, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm
MU Games Area
RSVP coming soon
Create and Unwind at the Arboretum
Get creative in the garden with watercolor and oak gall ink! Explore nature-inspired art while enjoying the beautiful UC Davis Arboretum. All materials will be provided, so there’s no need to bring anything—just come ready to create!
Wednesday October 14, 2026
10:00 - 11:30 am
Wyatt Pavilion, UC Davis Arboretum
Career Center Appreciation Event:
Postdocs to Industry Panel
To show our appreciation for postdocs, the Career Center is hosting a one-hour career panel featuring panelists who have transitioned to industry after being a postdoc at companies such as Syngenta, BillionToOne, BioMarin, PreScouter, Gilead, and BiVACOR
Wednesday October 14, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Open to all postdocs, register on Handshake*
*If you do not have a Handshake account yet, follow instructions on the Career Center website to request one.
College of Letters & Science: Postdoc Appreciation Happy Hour
In celebration of Postdoc Appreciate week, you are invited to join us for a casual happy hour with light refreshments and a chance to meet our new Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Tessa Hill. We will also have prizes to hand out on a first come first served basis. Invitations will be distributed via email to all L&S postdocs and mentors.
Thursday October 15, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Andrews Conference Room, 2203 Social Sciences and Humanities Building
Graduate Studies Postdoc Appreciation Dinner
A family-friendly casual outdoor dinner, featuring catering by Sanskrit, and entertainment by the UC Davis Jazz Band
Friday October 16, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm
North Lawn, Walker Hall
RSVP coming soon