Today marks the start of National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), which runs until Friday, 19 September 2025. Postdocs are invited to come along to a variety of events taking place this week online and in person, both at Liverpool and nationally.
To see the full timetable of events, please click here.
As part of this intense week, all University staff and PGR students are invited to nominate research staff for Celebrating Researchers 2025.
Celebrating Researchers is an annual event where the whole University community can show your appreciation for the hard work of research staff (postdoctoral researchers, research fellows and , research assistants). We know the huge impact that research staff have at the University, exemplifying the University values by delivering innovative research, building inclusive and collaborative researcher communities, strengthening our responsible research culture, enhancing the University’s reputation and more!
If there’s a researcher who has gone the extra mile this year, then show them you value their efforts by nominating them. Has a research fellow acted as a mentor for you and supported your ambitions? Is there a research assistant who has driven your research forwards? Is there a postdoc who helps supervise and guide your students? Do you know a researcher whose contribution on a steering group improves the research environment? Now is the chance to recognise their achievements and show them how much their efforts are valued.
Research Staff Champion Prizes
You can make a general nomination (celebrating the wide variety of contributions research staff make) or you can nominate researchers for one of the University of Liverpool’s two Research Staff Champion prizes:
- Research Staff Community Champion – For researchers who have helped to foster and build communities of researchers within the University of Liverpool. Examples might include organising research networks or forums; mentoring PGRs or other postdocs; gaining resources for research staff activities that develop research identity, broader leadership skills or a greater understanding of the wider research system.
- Research Culture Champion – For researchers who have contributed to the research culture at the University of Liverpool. Examples might include participation in steering groups related to research integrity, and equality, diversity and inclusion (e.g., Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter); contribution to inclusive environment and wellbeing initiatives; organisation of departmental development activities.
How to make a nomination
Nominations close on Friday, 3 October. For further information, including how to submit a nomination, see the Celebrating Researchers 2025 page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/celebrating-success/2025/
All messages of appreciation and nominations will be showcased across the University and at the Research Staff Conference on 3 December, where the Champions prize winners will be announced.
Upcoming development opportunities
Research Staff Conference 2025: Wednesday, 3 December 2025
The theme for this year’s Research Staff Conference will be: Beyond boundaries: developing an interdisciplinary mindset. The keynote will be delivered by Professor Iain Buchan, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, University of Liverpool. The conference will also include workshops, panel sessions, networking and wellbeing activities. Read the full programme and book your ticket here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/research-staff-conference/2025/
Images of Research Competition 2025 – submissions open now
Images of Research 2025 is back! This is your opportunity to showcase your research through a compelling image that captures the essence, impact, or story behind your work. Images will be displayed across the university and during the Research Staff Conference and will be eligible for both judges’ and public choice awards. Entries close on Monday, 10 November 2025. You can find further information and how to enter the competition here.
PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme 2025
Research staff are invited to take part as facilitators and mentors in the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme 2025. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to support postgraduate researchers while developing your own leadership and communication skills. From 6 to 24 October 2025, you’ll lead a small group of PGRs in informal discussions, helping them navigate their research journey and build connections across the University. It’s a rewarding experience that also contributes to your professional development and can be logged in your PDR under the University’s Contributions Framework against Categories 1 ‘Supporting people’ and 3b ‘Supporting PGRs’.
Expressions of interest are open until 26 September 2025. Find out more and register here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/pgr-development/pgr-rsa-buddy-scheme/
RSA Lunch & Learn events
- Introduction to PGR supervision – Monday, 13 October, 1-2pm, in-person, register: https://RSALunchLearn_Oct25.eventbrite.co.uk
- Write On: Strategies to start, shape and sharpen your writing – Tuesday, 11 November, 1-2pm, in-person, register: https://RSALunchLearn_Nov25.eventbrite.co.uk
Further information
The Academy’s Researcher Development and Culture Team is committed to offering support for all researchers, academics, research-enabling staff and postgraduate researchers at all career levels. This will provide opportunities and developing initiatives that meet your career aspirations. Colleagues are encouraged to regularly access the Researcher Hub for a range of on-demand development opportunities. These will support professional practice, supplementing the live upcoming researcher development activities.