Postdoctoral Research Forum

The Postdoctoral Research Forum is an annual event led by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to foster scientific interaction and interdepartmental collaboration, and to provide greater exposure and recognition for research by Western’s postdoctoral scholars.

Last year's event took place on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in the Great Hall, Somerville House.

Agenda

TBD

Postdoc 120-Second Research Sprint

You’re invited to the Postdoctoral Research Forum: Connect, Communicate, Lead—a full day of research, skill-building, and networking designed to support your career growth.

May 21 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Great Hall, Somerville House

Why attend?

  • Strengthen your research communication and leadership skills
  • Gain practical strategies for securing funding
  • Build meaningful interdisciplinary connections
  • Increase your visibility within the academic community

Program Highlights:

  • 120-Second Research Sprint (with cash prizes up to $1,000)
  • Leadership Workshop with Dr. Lucas Monzani (Ivey Business School)
  • Keynote & Networking Lunch
  • Grant Writing Workshop with experienced faculty and research officers
  • Awards Ceremony celebrating postdoctoral excellence

REGISTER HERE

Want to participate in the Research Sprint?

Present your work in just 120 seconds using one simple slide (max 3 words!) for a chance to win:
Gold $1,000 | Silver $500 | Bronze $250 | People’s Choice $200

This exercise will help you develop your communication skills as you explain your research using lay language to an interdisciplinary audience. Be compelling! Tell a story! A panel of judges will assess your presentation. 


The Rules

  • One slide representing your research – slide can have no more than three words.
  • Use of relevant props is allowed, but optional.
  • Presentation must be no more than 120 seconds long and will be assessed on how engaging, compelling, and free of jargon it as, in addition to how well you make the audience understand your work.
  • Judges’ decisions are final.

A prep session will be offered on May 15 (11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) to help you shine.


Additional Opportunity:

Nominate your supervisor for the Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award (deadline: May 11, noon).

Recognition will be given to Postdoctoral Supervisors who have demonstrated exemplary support for postdoctoral scholars at Western by going above and beyond supervisory expectations. These mentors have given their time and put forth extra effort to ensure a successful experience for postdoctoral scholars. One Postdoctoral Supervisor will be honored with the Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award during the Postdoctoral Research Award Ceremony on May 21, 2026. Please send your nomination letter (two-page maximum) to Mihaela Harmos by 12 noon on May 11. 

Award Ceremony

  • Supervisor of the Year
  • Postdoc of the Year
  • Postdoc 120-second Research Sprint

Please RSVP by May 18 at 12 noon and indicate if you’d like to participate in the 120-Second Research Sprint.

We hope you’ll join us for this engaging and inspiring event!

 

We invite you to watch the talks given by the 32 participants in the Postdoc 120-Second Research Sprint 2025.



Awards

2025 Winners

  • 1st Place: Phivos Phylactou, School of Physical Therapy
  • 2nd Place: Sajesh Vijayan, Biology
  • 3rd Place: Kait Al, Microbiology and Immunology

People's Choice Winner

  • Caroline Nettekoven, Computer Science

"Eugenia Canas" Postdoctoral Scholar of the Year Award
2025 Winner: Sophie Phillips, School of Occupational Therapy

This award recognizes a Western Postdoctoral Scholar who has shown exceptional commitment and potential as an emerging scientist. The Postdoctoral Scholar of the Year stands out among his/her peers for excellence displayed in research, leadership, service, outreach, and/or teaching.

Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award
2025 Winner: Samantha Gateman, Chemistry

This award recognizes a Western Postdoctoral Supervisor who has demonstrated exemplary support for postdoctoral scholars at Western by going above and beyond supervisory expectations. These mentors have given their time and put forth extra effort to ensure a successful experience for postdoctoral scholars. 


Contact

Mihaela Harmos
Postdoctoral Services Coordinator
Western University
School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
International and Graduate Affairs Building, Room 1N07
London, ON, Canada N6A 3K7
mharmos@uwo.ca | grad.uwo.ca