NC Postdoc Research Symposium
We’re pleased to announce the second annual North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium, bringing together postdoctoral scholars from across the state – including UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University, UNC-Wilmington, Duke University, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This multidisciplinary event will take place on June 20th at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center from 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The symposium will feature poster presentations, flash talks, career panels, free headshots, networking, and a keynote address. Postdocs are invited to present their work and connect with peers from a range of institutions and disciplines. Prizes will be awarded for the top three posters and flash talks.
Registration is required, with a $25 fee that includes lunch. A limited number of complimentary professional headshots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in presenting a poster or flash talk, please submit an abstract through the submission portals below.
Whether you’re early in your postdoc or further along in your training, this symposium offers a chance to share your work, enhance your communication skills, expand your professional network, and engage with the broader postdoctoral community in North Carolina. The event is open to postdoctoral scholars, faculty mentors, and others interested in supporting postdoctoral research and professional development. Early registration is encouraged due to space limitations.
Event Details
Time
09:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Date
Friday, June 20th, 2025
Location
North Carolina Biotechnology Center, 15 TW Alexander Dr, Durham, NC 27709
Agenda
| 2025 Postdoc Research Symposium | ||
| Start | End | Session |
| 9:00 | 09:30 | Registration & Poster Setup |
| 09:30 | 09:45 | Welcome/Opening & Sponsor Remarks |
| 09:45 | 11:00 | Postdoctoral Scholar Flash Presentations |
| 11:00 | 11:15 | Break / Networking |
| 11:15 | 12:00 | Poster Session A |
| 12:00 | 1:00 | Lunch & Networking |
| 1:00 | 2:00 | Concurrent Industry/Academia Career Panels |
| 2:00 | 2:45 | Poster Session B |
| 2:45 | 3:30 | Keynote Address |
| 3:30 | 3:45 | Final Remarks and Prize Winners |
| 3:45 | 4:30 | Additional Networking |
Registration
Click here to register for the symposium: https://go.unc.edu/Postdoc2025.
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 13th or until capacity is reached. If you wish to present a poster or flash talk, please see below for more information, and submission portals.
All postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to attend. Faculty mentors, administrators, and graduate students who are interested in supporting or learning more about postdoctoral research are also welcome to register and participate in the event.
Poster Presentation
To present a poster at the symposium, please submit your abstract using the portal linked below. Poster slots are limited 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.
- Submit an abstract (up to 300 words) here: https://go.unc.edu/PostdocPoster
- Poster size: Please prepare your poster to fit within the recommended dimensions of 36″ tall × 48″ wide (landscape) or 48″ tall × 36″ wide (portrait)
- Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, May 27th, at noon.
- Notification of acceptance: Before end of May
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.
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 research/discipline. You should aim to answer the “So What?” question about your research. Please note, you can choose to present either a poster or a flash talk, not both.
Submission Instructions:
- Submit an abstract (up to 300 words) here: https://go.unc.edu/FlashTalk.
- Focus on the societal relevance and real-world value of your field.
- Use clear, engaging, and accessible language suitable for a general audience.
- Avoid jargon and emphasize the “so what?” of your discipline.
Important Dates:
- Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, May 27th, at noon.
- Notification of acceptance: Before end of May
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for both the poster presentations and flash talks. Only postdocs from UNC System Schools are eligible for prizes for best presentations.
First Place Poster Presentation: $500 Award
Second Place Poster Presentation: $400 Award
Third Place Poster Presentation: $300 Award
First Place Flash Presentation: $500 Award
Second Place Flash Presentation: $400 Award
Third Place Flash Presentation: $300 Award
Digital Event Program
Full details of the selected poster and lightning talk presenters will be available in the digital event program, which will be released prior to the event.
Questions
If you have any questions about the event, please email UNC’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at opa@unc.edu.
Sponsors
The organizers are grateful to the following for their support and sponsorship for this event:
Friday June 20th, 2025
North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham
The first ever North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium took place on June 14th, 2024 at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. The organizers would like to thank all postdoctoral scholars, staff, and mentors for attending, especially all the presenters for sharing their exciting research! The organizers would also like to thank each of our sponsors for their support. Pictures from the symposium can be found here. Please note that we are experiencing a delay with the headshots, but recipients will be notified as soon as they are ready. First Place Flash Presentation: Dr. Ibraheem Olasupo (North Carolina State University) Second Place Flash Presentation: Dr. Maria White (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Third Place Flash Presentation: Dr. Katherine Dale (East Carolina University) First Place Poster Presentation: Dr. Syed Ahmed (East Carolina University) Second Place Poster Presentation: Dr. Niya King (North Carolina State Agricultural and Technical State University) Third Place Poster Presentation: Dr. Kristy McKenzie (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) We are excited to announce the first North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium which will showcase research from postdoctoral scholars across the state, including UNC-CH, NC State, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University, and UNC-Wilmington. The symposium will take place on June 14th at North Carolina’s Biotechnology Center from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is a multidisciplinary event that will feature a poster session, flash talks, a lunch/networking session, and a keynote address. Secure your spot by registering via the link below. Please note, there is a registration fee of $25 to attend, and lunch will be provided. Limited slots are available for complimentary headshots allocated on a first come, first serve basis. To present your research with either a Poster or Flash Talk, please submit your abstract using the submission portal below. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for both the poster presentations and flash talks. Whether you’re a seasoned postdoc or new to the field, this event offers a valuable opportunity to network, share ideas, and gain inspiration for your research journey. Spaces for attending are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Register today and be a part of this enriching academic exchange! 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Friday, June 14th, 2024 North Carolina Biotechnology Center, 15 TW Alexander Dr, Durham, NC 27709 Register online. Note that there is a non-refundable registration fee of $25 to be paid by credit card. Abstract submission is now closed. As this is a multidisciplinary symposium, abstracts, posters, and flash talks should be pitched such that experts outside your field can understand your research. When designing posters, the recommended dimensions are: 36″ x 48″. The flash talks will be three minutes each. Only postdocs from UNC System Schools are eligible for prizes for best presentations. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for both the poster presentations and flash talks. First Place Poster Presentation: $500 Award Second Place Poster Presentation: $400 Award Third Place Poster Presentation: $300 Award First Place Flash Presentation: $500 Award Second Place Flash Presentation: $400 Award Third Place Flash Presentation: $300 Award Full details of the selected poster and lightning talk presenters will be available in the digital event program, which will be released prior to the event. If you have any questions about the event, please email UNC’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at opa@unc.edu. The organizers are grateful to the following for their support and sponsorship for this event: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill North Carolina State University University of North Carolina – Charlotte East Carolina University University of North Carolina – Wilmington North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Re-Imagining STEM Equity Utilizing Postdoc Pathways RISE UPP The University of North Carolina System Office Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Biotechnology Center UNC Peer Support Core
Thank You to Everyone for a Successful Symposium!
Congratulations to the Winners of the Best Flash Talk and Poster Presentations:
2024 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium
Event Details
Time
Date
Location
Agenda
Start
End
Session
9:30
10:00
Registration & Poster Setup
10:00
10:15
Welcome/Opening Remarks
10:15
11:15
Postdoctoral Scholar Flash Presentations
11:15
11:30
Break
11:30
12:30
Poster Session
12:30
1:30
Lunch & Networking
1:30
2:30
Keynote Address from Dr. Essie Torres
2:30
3:00
Final Remarks and Prize Winners
Registration
Submit An Abstract
Awards
Digital Event Program
Questions
Sponsors
Organized By:
Sponsored By:
