The 2025 CAPA Annual Conference brought together postdoctoral leaders, researchers, funding agencies, and experts from across Canada for two inspiring days in Ottawa. With this year’s theme — “The Future of the Postdoc” — the conference offered a rich space for sharing ideas, building community, and strengthening national dialogue around postdoctoral training and support.
Please click the links below to access presentation slides and photos from 2025 CAPA Annual Conference.
Presentation Slides (needs member login)
Conference Photos
A Warm Start to the Week
The conference began with a pre-conference House of Commons tour on Sunday, November 2nd; a chance for attendees to meet, connect, and enjoy a uniquely Canadian experience before two days of programming.
DAY 1 – Monday, November 3, 2025
Welcome & Opening Remarks
The morning began with networking over breakfast, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Valerie Chappe, CAPA President, and Hourik Khanlian, CAPA Vice-President and Conference Planning Committee Chair. Their welcome set the tone for two days focused on collaboration and innovation.
Keynote Address – Dr. André Beauchemin
Dr. André Beauchemin delivered an engaging keynote exploring the evolving postdoctoral landscape, the future of research careers, and the opportunities ahead for institutions supporting postdoctoral scholars.
CAPA Postdoctoral Survey Results
Dr. Valerie Chappe presented highlights from the 2025 CAPA Postdoctoral Survey, offering insights into national trends, challenges, and experiences within the postdoc community.
Midday Programming
Over lunch, Jackson Howard from GLOPOL and EURAXESS North America shared international mobility and funding opportunities available to postdoctoral researchers.
Afternoon Sessions
Day 1 continued with a series of informative sessions and discussions, including:
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Mitacs Funding Landscape – Ana Boika
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Non-Academic Careers Panel – Ana Boika, and Katie George
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Lightning Talk – Dr. Cagri Ayranci on postdocs holding grants
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Guidelines for Postdoctoral Supervision – Dr. Nica Borradaile & Dr. Mihaela Harmos
Evening Networking Social
Attendees wrapped up the first day with a brewery tour and social event at 3 Brasseurs, continuing conversations and building new connections in a relaxed setting with some appetizers and local brews!
DAY 2 – Tuesday, November 4, 2025
CAPS National Postdoctoral Survey
The day opened with Dr. Chanele Polenz, Chair of CAPS, presenting findings from the CAPS National Postdoctoral Survey and discussing advocacy priorities.
Tri-Agency Updates
Representatives from SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR contributed valuable updates on funding opportunities, policy directions, and agency perspectives on supporting postdoctoral research.
Professional Development Programming
Sessions included:
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Holistic Career Education for Postdocs – Dr. Ketan Marballi
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CAPA Annual General Meeting (AGM) over lunch
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Project-Managing Postdoctoral Career Development – Jillian Vandenbrand
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Immigration Session for Postdoctoral Scholars – IRCC representatives
Thank You for Joining Us
The 2025 conference was a meaningful reminder of the strength, dedication, and collaborative spirit within Canada’s postdoctoral community. Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, and helped make this event a success.
We look forward to welcoming you again next year for the 2026 CAPA Annual Conference!