Notre Dame postdoctoral scholars take center stage with cutting-edge research
Published: September 29, 2025
The Graduate School at the University of Notre Dame is proud to present the inaugural Notre Dame Postdoc Spotlight—a dynamic, fast-paced competition that celebrates the groundbreaking research of our postdoctoral scholars. The Notre Dame community and the public are encouraged to attend.
Designed to be both informative and entertaining, the Postdoc Spotlight challenges scholars to present their research in three minutes or less—and in a way that anyone can understand. You can expect passion, clarity, and maybe even a little performance flair. Whether they're speaking, singing, or rapping, these postdocs are ready to engage and inspire.
“Notre Dame postdoctoral scholars are the engine of discovery, tackling some of the world's most complex problems,” says Mary Ann McDowell, associate dean for professional development at the Graduate School and professor of biological sciences. “Their research creates a ripple effect of innovation that benefits society as a whole. This event offers the public a rare and exciting glimpse into their work.”
What’s at stake? $1500 awards for four different categories, including:
- Overall Excellence in Research Communication
- Outstanding Public Engagement Through Research Communication
- Outstanding Creativity in Research Communication
- Community Choice Award for Excellence in Research Communication
Event Schedule
Join us for the preliminary competitions and the final competition.
-
Arts & Letters Preliminary and Keough School of Global Affairs
Tuesday, October 7 | Bond Hall, Room 104, 5:00–7:00 p.m. -
Science Preliminary
Thursday, October 9 | Jordan Hall of Science, Room 105, 4:00–6:00 p.m. -
Engineering Preliminary
Wednesday, October 15 | Galvin Life Sciences, Room 283, 5:00–7:00 p.m. -
Final Competition with networking reception immediately following
Thursday, November 6 | Jordan Hall of Science, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
The University is home to more than 300 postdoctoral scholars—often called postdocs—who have completed their Ph.D. and are appointed for one to five years. During their time here, postdocs focus on advancing their research, publishing their work, and mentoring students, all while preparing for the next steps in their academic or industry careers.
Contact
Mary Ann McDowell, Associate Dean for Professional Development, Graduate School;
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Phone: (574) 631-9771 Email: mmcdowe1@nd.edu
Originally published by at graduateschool.nd.edu on September 30, 2025.