National Postdoctoral Association recognizes Van Andel Institute with Institutional Policy Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 7, 2026) — The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has recognized Van Andel Institute with an Institutional Policy Award, which honors organizations with exemplary policies that enhance the postdoctoral experience.

“At its core, this award reflects a simple idea: if we want to improve the postdoctoral experience nationally, we need to recognize and learn from institutions that are helping lead the way,” said Andrea Pereyra, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the National Postdoctoral Association Board of Directors. “By doing so, we not only celebrate their commitment, but also help elevate practices that can inform and inspire progress across the broader postdoctoral community.”

Postdoctoral fellows are early-career scientists who have completed their doctorates and are pursuing advanced training to deepen their expertise and leadership skills. VAI is home to more than 60 fellows who conduct research across the Institute’s areas of focus in epigenetics, cancer and cell biology, neurodegeneration, metabolism and structural biology.

VAI is one of 12 institutions honored by the NPA this year for policies and procedures aligned with the association’s recommendations for best practices in postdoctoral salary, benefits, data-driven outcomes and professional development.

Recognition is intended to reinforce continued excellence, motivate peer organizations to consider adopting similar practices and provide a tool for graduate students considering institutions for postdoctoral positions, according to the NPA.

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“Being recognized by the NPA truly is a remarkable accomplishment for the Postdoctoral Program here at VAI,” said Kelsey Carpenter, Ph.D., program manager of VAI’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. “VAI is reimagining the postdoc experience. We are committed to providing postdoctoral fellows with an exceptional environment where they feel equipped to thrive both professionally and personally. It’s an honor to have those efforts recognized by the National Postdoctoral Association.”

Postdoctoral fellows are a crucial part of VAI’s efforts to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations. Through mentorship by the Institute’s accomplished faculty and access to state-of-the-art core technologies and services, postdoctoral fellows build the skills necessary to be research leaders.

In addition to the Institute’s extensive scientific resources, fellows also are supported with one of the highest starting salaries in the country, competitive internal funding opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package and extensive support from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which provides professional development, career planning, fellowship guidance and more.