Alumni benefits extended to thousands of former researchers

For the first time former postdoctoral researchers will receive a number of the benefits already offered to alumni at the University of Cambridge.

Under the terms of the scheme, thought to be unique among UK universities, former postdocs will be offered a CAMCard, receive the monthly alumni e-newsletter and will eligible to join the University’s global network of alumni groups.

The University has made the move as part of its continuing drive to recognise in more tangible ways the status of postdocs in the University and the contributions they make to University life.

The Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz said: “The University and the Colleges recognise the enormous contribution postdoctoral researchers make through their research, which is central to the mission of the University, so it is right they be extended a similar range of benefits to those available to our alumni. This reflects our continued mission to ensure that the thousands of researchers who work at the University each year are offered help before they arrive at Cambridge, during their working life here and after they leave.”

Postdocs come from all over the world (currently over 90 different nationalities) and, as a workforce of around 3,500, they represent the largest staff grouping in the University.

Under the new scheme which will be rolled out to recent leavers throughout the Summer, former postdocs will also receive regular communications from the University Development and Alumni Relations office and be able to join trips with the alumni travel programme.

The changes come after the launch of the Postdocs Centre by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPdA) in 2014.

Postdocs are responsible for a high proportion of the research carried out in the University and contribute enormously to the reputation of the University as a leading global research centre.

“As postdocs do not matriculate or graduate, traditional alumni benefits and established processes need to be completely reconsidered.  Most universities have not tackled the issue, “ said Karina Prasad, Head of the OPdA, adding: “Many postdocs end up in positions of influence in academia, industry or public service making them invaluable ambassadors and advocates for the university.”

The Vice-Chancellor and the Alumni Advisory Board felt that the University should extend alumni benefits to former postdocs so this move is very significant and welcome.”

The OPdA is now gathering data on former postdocs so that the benefits can be extended retrospectively.

Where an individual is both an alumnus or alumna and a former postdoc, they will continue to receive all benefits available to alumni. The launch of the benefits was marked at the University yesterday (June 9).

A list of benefits available to former postdocs is available on the OPdA website: http://www.opda.cam.ac.uk.