2026 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium
We are excited to announce the third annual North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium, a statewide event that brings together postdoctoral scholars from institutions across North Carolina to share research, build connections, and explore career opportunities. The symposium will be held June 12, 2026, at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and is expected to bring together 150+ postdoctoral scholars, faculty mentors, and research professionals from across the state.
This interdisciplinary event highlights the innovative research conducted by postdoctoral scholars throughout North Carolina. The program will feature poster presentations, flash talks, career panels, networking opportunities, and a keynote address. Postdocs are encouraged to present their research, exchange ideas, and engage with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines and institutions. Awards will be presented for the top poster and flash talk presentations.
Registration is required and includes a $25 fee covering lunch. Postdocs interested in presenting a poster or flash talk are invited to submit an abstract using the submission portals below.
Whether you are at the beginning of your postdoctoral training or approaching your next career step, the symposium offers an opportunity to showcase your work, strengthen communication skills, and expand your professional network. The event is open to postdoctoral scholars, faculty mentors, and others interested in supporting postdoctoral research and career development. Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.
The symposium is organized by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs as part of its efforts to support postdoctoral professional development and strengthen connections across North Carolinaโs research community. This event is kindly sponsored by Burroughs Wellcome Fund, UNC Research, UNC System, and NC Biotechnology Center. Participating institutions include UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, Duke University, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University (ECU), UNC-Wilmington, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Appalachian State, UNC Greensboro, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Event Details
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham, NC
Event Registration: Click Here
- $25 (includes lunch)
Abstract Submission Portals: Poster or Flash Talk
- Deadline: April 17, 12:00 noon
Acceptance Notification: May 1
Agenda (Tentative)
Symposium Registration
Click Here to Register for the 2026 Symposium
Please note that there is a non-refundable registration fee of $25, payable by credit card. Registration includes lunch and will remain open until Friday, June 5, or until capacity is reached.
Postdocs may submit either a poster abstract or a flash talk abstract (not both). Abstracts should not be technical and should clearly communicate the significance of your research to a broad scientific audience. If you wish to present a poster or flash talk, please see the submission information and portals below.
Postdoctoral scholars at all stages of training are encouraged to attend and submit abstracts to share their research with colleagues from across North Carolina. Faculty mentors, research staff scientists, administrators, and graduate students interested in postdoctoral research and training are also welcome to attend. Please note that presentation slots are reserved for postdoctoral scholars.
The symposium provides an opportunity for the broader research community to learn about the innovative work being conducted by postdocs while supporting professional development and interdisciplinary connections.
Free parking is available on-site at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
Poster Presentation
To present a poster at the symposium, please submit your abstract using the portal linked below. A limited number of poster presentations will be selected and presenters will be selected based on the quality and clarity of their abstracts, with an emphasis on accessible and engaging communication. Abstracts and posters should be easily understood by others outside your discipline.
Click Here to Submit a Poster Abstract
- Abstracts should not exceed 300 words
- Poster size: Please prepare your poster to fit within the recommended dimensions of 36″ tall ร 48″ wide (landscape) or 48″ tall ร 36″ wide (portrait)
- Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, April 17th, at noon
- Notification of Acceptance: Applicants will be notified by May 1
We encourage submissions from all disciplines. If selected, you will have the opportunity to present your work during one of the two dedicated poster sessions, and be considered for a poster award.
Poster awards will be presented for outstanding presentations based on clarity, research impact, and ability to communicate to those outside your field.
Flash Talk Presentations
Selected postdocs will have the opportunity to discuss the impact of their research on our society and everyday life during a three-minute Flash Talk presentation. Think beyond your specific study to highlight the broader significance of your field and its impact on society. You should aim to answer the โSo What?โ question about your research. Please note, you can choose to present either a poster or a flash talk, not both.
Click Here to Submit a Flash Talk Abstract
- Flash Talk selection will be based on how clearly and engagingly the research is presented in the abstract
- Abstracts should not exceed 300 words
- Focus on the societal relevance and real-world value of your research and field
- Use clear, engaging, and accessible language suitable for a general audience
- Avoid jargon and emphasize the โso what?โ of your discipline
- Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, April 17th, at noon
- Notification of Acceptance: Applicants will be notified by May 1
- Flash Talk slots are limited; applicants may opt to be considered for a poster presentation if not selected for a Flash Talk.
Questions
If you have any questions about the event, please email UNCโs Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at [email protected].
Sponsors
The UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs are grateful to the following for their support and sponsorship for this event:
Friday, June 12th, 2026
North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham