HOME / FAS POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATION /

Advocacy Committee

About the Advocacy Committee

In the Advocacy Committee, we aim to give postdocs a voice on the Harvard campus. We identify and analyze issues unique to postdoc life, and work with faculty and administrators to advance beneficial policies for the community. We are always looking for more members to help with this important mission!

Advocacy Committee Initiatives

The Advocacy Committee is the driving force behind several initiatives, including
• Analysis of the annual FAS Postdoctoral Association survey to identify current challenges faced by the FAS postdoc community
• Building liaisons and networks with postdoctoral associations at various Harvard departments and affiliate institutes, as well as in the Greater Boston area
• Organizing meetings with Harvard faculty and administrators to advocate for solutions to critical issues faced by FAS postdocs

Advocacy Committee Accomplishments

The Advocacy Committee has been successful in spearheading or lobbying Harvard University for:

  1. Increases to the minimum salary policy to the NIH recommended minimum in 2022 and to $65,000 in 2023.
  2. Increases to accessibility to dependent-care scholarship and reimbursement programs, including a one-time $13,000 gift to the childcare office to support postdoc families in need.
  3. Reinstitution of travel support for professional development (up to $500/person/year) through the FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
  4. Active inclusion of postdocs in the 2021 Steering Committee on updating Harvard's Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies.
  5. Hosting the inaugural Harvard PDAs Summit to officially connect and coordinate leadership across Harvard's 11 postdoctoral associations representing scholars from the University and its professional schools, affiliated hospitals, and the Broad Institute.

Join the Advocacy Committee

 

Joining the Advocacy Committee has several benefits:

  • Advocate for postdoc issues and make your voice heard
  • Network with fellow postdocs who are passionate about driving change
  •  Work together to improve postdoc life at Harvard

Our active and enthusiastic team is looking forward to hearing from you!
 

Reach out to us at faspda@fas.harvard.edu and one of our board members will get in touch with you.