Content note: In this episode we focus on a new project to engage and celebrate postdocs at the University of Leeds: Pathfinder🚩 What Is Pathfinder?Pathfinder isn’t just an email in your inbox – it’s a project built on co-creation. Produced by Ruth Winden (Careers with Research Consultant) and Dr. Susan Donkin (Project Officer) from the Researcher Development and Research Culture Team in (OD&PL), alongside your invaluable feedback, Pathfinder aims to be more than an information portal. It’s a tool to:Keep you informed without overwhelming youGive postdocs a bigger, bolder voiceSpotlight postdoc successes and challengesConnect research leaders and colleagues with all that postdocs have to offer✨ Celebrating Success (Big & Small!)We believe every achievement deserves recognition. Whether you’ve secured a fellowship, finished your first 10k charity run, or made a sideways career move, your story matters. But we’ve learned that “success” can feel like a loaded term, and that not everyone wants to step into the spotlight.Your voice is key – that’s why we’re making it easier than ever to get involved:Nominate a postdoc peer: Know a colleague who deserves recognition? Email us and we’ll do the rest.Suggest yourself: Nervous? We’re friendly! Chat with us, or even share your story anonymously if that feels more comfortable.Calling all PIs: Have some wisdom or an inspiring story? Share advice, challenges, or answer “What do I wish I’d known as a postdoc?” Your perspectives are invaluable to our readers.📬 How Pathfinder Comes TogetherShort, sharp updates: Skim in five minutes; deep-dive if you want more.Resource round-up: Quick links to professional development, opportunities, and reminders. Even if you’ve seen them before, with postdoc turnover, a refresher never hurts.Regular themes: Our upcoming issue shines a light on ECR and postdoc representatives – the unsung heroes of academia.📈 Pathfinder By the NumbersWe’re thrilled by the response so far:Almost 1,000 subscribers!~50% open rate (that’s huge in the newsletter world!)People are talking, reading, and starting to contribute!Your feedback helps us improve. Drop us a line anytime—tell us what you love, what you’d change, or what you want to see next.🛠️ Lessons Learned & Tips SharedMeet people where they are: Email works best for our busy postdocs!Relationships matter: Referrals and nudges from the production team and colleagues help fuel participation and build community.Planning is our secret weapon: Our content calendar keeps us organized and responsive.Patience pays off — Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a vibrant research culture. Each month, your engagement and input shape this initiative.📢 Ask Contributors To Get Involved!Want to suggest a theme? Highlight an amazing project? Ask a burning question? Email us, nominate a friend, or just say hello! If we don’t hear from you, we might come knocking (gently, we promise).We hope that Pathfinder will become a vital part of our postdoc community here at the University of Leeds. Together, with our postdocs, we’re shaping a collaborative, supportive research culture at Leeds – one that recognises every voice.For questions, stories, or suggestions to do with Pathfinder, please get in touch with Ruth ([email protected]) or Susan...

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