Boston Postdoctoral Association

We are a regional coalition of postdoctoral researchers and postdoctoral associations representing 19 institutes across the Greater Boston area. We bring postdocs together to build community, strengthen communication across institutions, advocate for our interests and rights, and learn from one another. Through social gatherings, career development events, and collective advocacy, we aim to make the postdoctoral experience more supportive and rewarding.

After a brief hiatus, we are happy to announce that BPDA is ramping back up in 2026! Keep an eye on our events calendar and consider getting involved as we create new opportunities for Boston area postdocs to connect.

Our National Advocacy & Impact

BPDA represents the interests of Boston-area postdoctoral researchers in national conversations about research policy, workplace conditions, and the future of postdoctoral training. Our leadership has contributed to federal policy discussions and national initiatives aimed at strengthening the postdoctoral experience.

Engaging with the White House on Postdoctoral Issues. BPDA participated in meetings with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in 2022 and 2024. Topics included compensation, parental leave, childcare support, and addressing sexual and sex-based harassment affecting postdoctoral researchers. Learn more about BPDA’s OSTP engagement.

Contributing to the Future of NIH-Supported Postdoctoral Training. BPDA signed and submitted a Request for Information to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Advisory Committee to the Director working group on re-envisioning NIH-supported postdoctoral training, contributing to national discussions about the future of postdoctoral education and support. Read BPDA’s submission.

Bringing Postdoctoral Perspectives to National Policy Discussions. In March 2023, BPDA leadership joined an NIH-directed national public listening session with 11 other postdoctoral community leaders from across the United States. BPDA presented three challenges facing postdoctoral researchers and proposed solutions, which were reflected in the resulting report. Read the national listening session report.

The Boston Postdoctoral Association began as a grassroots volunteer organization, and was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and as a 501(c)6 nonprofit, by Dr. Ian Mahar with the incorporating Board. Explore our incorporating and nonprofit documentation to learn more about how we operate.