In the ecosystem of academia and research, postdoctoral researchers are at the forefront of scientific innovation and discovery. They are essential to keep the engines of research and discovery running smoothly and provide a key source of mentorship and support for other early career researchers, especially PhD students.
The diverse research conducted at the School of Life Sciences blends scientists with different backgrounds into four groups, namely “Ecology and Environmental Microbiology”, “Genomics and Computational Biology”, “Plant Productivity”, and “Protein Structure and Mechanisms of Disease”.
Long lab hours and the constant chase for papers or contract can often leave postdocs feeling isolated – not just socially but also cut off from others working in different research areas. With this in mind, postdoctoral representatives in the School of Life Sciences (pictured below, left to right) Dr Virginie Mengin, Dr Crispus Mbaluto and Dr Elizabeth Archer, organised a ‘Postdoctoral Appreciation Day’ on 20 November 2025 to bring the postdoctoral community together to celebrate the positive contributions that postdocs make to the research environment.
This was also a space to reflect on professional challenges that uniquely affect postdoctoral researchers and brainstorm ideas for future training and support that could boost the postdoctoral experience at the University of Essex.
Postdoctoral representatives (left to right): Dr Virginie Mengin, Dr Crispus Mbaluto and Dr Elizabeth Archer
A day of celebration and reflection
Nineteen of the School’s postdoctoral researchers attended the Postdoc Appreciation Day, demonstrating a strong desire to build a community where experiences could be shared, peer-to-peer conversations nurtured, and networks and collaborations developed.
Postdoctoral researchers in the School of Life Sciences University of Essex
The event began with ‘Postdoc Hour’, which acted as an icebreaker to create a safe space for open conversations over coffee. Each postdoc was first invited to introduce themselves and their research to the group. This highlighted the diverse range of knowledge and skills across the postdoctoral community and built connections between members of different research groups.
Postdocs were also invited to highlight and celebrate recent achievements which they shared with the group on a virtual board. Through meaningful conversation accompanied by an online survey, the session gathered insights into postdoctoral opportunities, challenges, and how the School and wider University could better support the postdoc community.
Postdocs were then joined by a panel of academic staff; Dr Marcus Edward, Dr Benjamin Skinner, Dr Anna Sturrock, and Dr Amanda Cavanagh. In this session, panelists shared wisdom gained from their unique career journeys, and their perspectives on the evolving roles of postdocs. Key advice included:
- Make the most of research side-projects and keep your interests open as gaining different skills and experience has the potential to foster new collaborations
- Consider geographical context when building a career, as location impacts life beyond academia
- Maintain a strong work-life balance through self-discipline and by setting boundaries
- Build supportive social networks and communicate clearly when seeking career transition
In the afternoon, a roundtable with Prof. Terry McGenity, Head of School of Life Sciences, sparked candid discussion on postdoc career development and support, teaching, mentoring and professional growth, and, lastly, the infrastructure and research environment at Essex. The message was clear: the school recognises postdocs and is actively working to strengthen support structures.
Finally, a presentation by the Research Enterprise Office at Essex provided information about the various opportunities available for postdocs in terms of fellowships and grants (in the UK and internationally), pathways to becoming co-investigators or named researchers, and the multi-stage process from idea to proposal submission and post-award management.
The Postdoc Appreciation Day was rounded off with a lively ‘Happy Hour’ social event, extending the celebration to the wider School of Life Sciences community. Conversations flowed, connections deepened and a palpable sense of belonging emerged.
Academic panel during Postdoctoral Appreciation Day (left to right): Dr Marcus Edward, Dr Benjamin Skinner, Dr Anna Sturrock, and Dr Amanda Cavanagh.
Voices of gratitude
One of the most pivotal aspects of the Postdoctoral Appreciation Day was giving all academics in the School of Life Science the opportunity to celebrate current and past postdocs, in their own words.
These messages highlight the technical excellence, dedication, creativity, resilience, and collaborative spirit postdocs bring to research culture:
- ‘‘We have been immensely privileged to have such a dedicated and talented number of individuals contribute to our research and community. Their work brings ideas into reality, unearths new discoveries and makes the next publication or funding opportunity possible. They bring energy, motivation and expertise which cannot be underestimated’’.
- “Your work and drive is the beacon that keeps the light on in these turbulent times. Don’t lose the faith, keep focused and always be ready to jump onto the next big thing.”
- “Your research activity is the engine that drives not only our delivery on grant funded work, but also our growth as a global centre of expertise.”
- “You all make significant contributions to the positive and collaborative research culture, supporting students whilst delivering excellent science.”
- “[They are] an absolutely irreplaceable part of our small, yet united, research team”
- “[They are] an anchor in the lab”
- “Truly grateful for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence”
With thanks to our sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Novogene, Illumina and VWR/Avantor, whose sponsorship helped make the day possible. Their commitment to supporting early career researchers reflects the shared belief that postdocs are vital to the future of science.
Looking ahead
The Postdoctoral Appreciation Day was more than a single event - it was the beginning of a more sustainable, inclusive, and collaborative postdoctoral community at Essex. By rebuilding this community, we aim to ensure that postdoctoral researchers in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex are not only recognised but empowered to thrive.
Here’s to our fellow postdocs - we are the quiet architects of discovery. On this day, we celebrated our journeys, resilience and impact. May this celebration mark the start of a tradition that grows stronger every year.
