LIH celebrates its postdoctoral research community

First Postdoc Appreciation Event puts early-career researchers and their work in the spotlight

• Support for Postdoctoral Researchers
• PhD Candidates

On September 25^th, the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) held its first Postdoc Appreciation Event, bringing together researchers from across the institute to celebrate the contribution of postdoctoral researchers, showcase their scientific work and foster exchange around career development, mentorship and research impact.

Held at the House of BioHealth, the event marked the highlight of LIH’s first Postdoc Appreciation Week (PAW), an initiative dedicated to recognising the essential role postdoctoral researchers play in advancing research, discovery and innovation, while creating opportunities to connect across departments and strengthen the institute’s postdoctoral community.

The half-day opened with welcoming remarks by Dr Frank Glod, Deputy CEO and Head of the Science Office, followed by a presentation of the LIH Early-Career Researcher Framework by Malou Fraiture, Postdoctoral Support & Development Coordinator. The programme also welcomed external perspectives, with Inês Crisóstomo from the University of Luxembourg presenting the ADVANCE Mentoring programme and Gideon Gießelmann from the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) addressing research impact and responsible research assessment.

Postdoctoral researchers themselves took centre stage during a scientific session, with eight postdocs presenting their work to colleagues from across LIH. Their talks reflected the breadth of research carried out at the institute, spanning cancer and immunology to infectious diseases, Parkinson’s disease and the long-term biological effects of early-life adversity.

Beyond showcasing scientific achievements, the event provided an opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to connect, share experiences and gain new perspectives on their professional development. Together with the wider activities organised throughout the Postdoc Appreciation Week – including training and a career-focused session – the event reaffirmed our institute’s commitment to supporting early-career researchers and recognising their essential contribution to the institute’s scientific output and work culture

says Malou Fraiture.