In the nick of time, at 4:30 PM on Thursday, the United States House of Representatives officially recognized National Postdoc Appreciation Week, which began on Monday and occurs during the week of the third Monday in September. The National Postdoctoral Association led the successful drive for passage of House Resolution 1545, which salutes the “accomplishments and contributions” of postdocs to the nation’s research effort, notes “the career development and other professional needs of postdocs in every field of study,” and “encourages the improvement of [their] career and training opportunities.”
Such high-level attention surely raises the profile, respect, and morale of postdocs. Now, if only someone would propose and Congress would propose and pass legislation to raise postdocs’ incomes and actual career prospects!