Postdoc Appreciation Week | September 21 - 25, 2026
Postdoctoral researchers are a driving force behind research excellence at UHN. Through their curiosity, expertise, and dedication, they advance innovative discoveries, tackle complex health challenges, and help translate scientific findings into meaningful improvements in patient care and health outcomes. As highly skilled researchers and mentors, postdocs make vital contributions to UHN’s world-class research environment, fostering collaboration, supporting trainee development, and strengthening the culture of innovation that defines our community. UHN is home to a vibrant community of postdocs whose work continues to shape the future of science, medicine, and healthcare while enriching the broader UHN research ecosystem.
During National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements, leadership, and impact of our postdoctoral researchers, and thank them for the invaluable contributions they make everyday. Explore the exciting events below as we show our appreciation for the remarkable postdoc community at UHN!
Wellness Events
No-Bake Energy Bites & Chair Yoga
Join the ORT and Wellness@UHN to refuel and relax! Come enjoy this hour-long wellness session where you’ll get to make no-bake energy bites and practice mindfullness via chair yoga! No preparation required.
Dates & Times:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Ground Floor Multipurpose Room, Alan Slaight Medical Innovation Labs (ASMIL) [Formerly PMCRT], 101 College St.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: 4th Floor Seminar Room, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave.
Headshots
Free Professional Headshots for UHN Postdocs!
The ORT is excited to announce free professional headshots for UHN Postdoctoral Researchers! This appreciation gift was selected to support your career development by enhancing your professional visibility for future academic, industry, and leadership opportunities. Arrive ready to look sharp!
This event is sponsored by the research leadership and staff of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the UHN Research Institutes (UHNRI) in gratitude for all the accomplishments of UHN postdocs!
Dates & Times:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 5th Floor Sky Lounge, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Ave.
Friday, September 25, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: DeGasperis Conservatory, Peter Munk Building, Toronto General Hospital, 585 University Ave.
Networking Events
Target 2035 Career Panel & Networking Reception: Exploring Careers in R&D
Join the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), the Office of Research Trainees (ORT), and the Canada Leads Program at UHN for an interactive in person session that brings together industry scientists with diverse career paths who will share their experiences, discuss emerging opportunities in drug discovery and biomedical research, and answer audience questions.
Whether you are considering a career in academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or translational science, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain practical insights, connect with peers and professionals, and expand your network.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Location: KITE Auditorium, 2nd Floor, Toronto Rehab Institute-University Centre, 550 University Ave.
Industry Networking Night
Join the Office of Research Trainees (ORT) and the UHN Postdoc Association (UHNPA) for an exciting evening of professional development and career exploration at our Roundtable Networking Night!
Date & Time: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: 2nd Floor Cafe, 522 University Ave.
This event will bring together professionals from a diverse range of sectors, providing trainees and postdoctoral researchers with the opportunity to learn about different career paths, ask questions, and make meaningful connections through structured roundtable discussions.
Featured Career Sectors
Representatives will share their experiences and insights from areas including
- Biotech & Pharma
- Venture Capital
- Business Development
- Entrepreneurship & Startups
- Intellectual Property & Patent Law
Whether you are exploring careers beyond academia, interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, or looking to better understand opportunities in industry, this event offers a unique chance to connect directly with professionals working in these fields!
Professional Development Day
Join the ORT for an inspiring day of professional development! Designed to celebrate and empower postdoctoral researchers, this in-person event features a diverse lineup of talks and workshops focused on building skills, expanding networks, and helping you take the next step in your career journey.
Date & Time: September 24, 2026, 12:00 – 5:00 PM*
Location: 2nd Floor, 522 University Ave.
*The Industry Networking Night will follow from 5:30 – 8:00 PM. A separate registration is required!