Postdoc LINK Research Symposium

Leadership, Innovation, Network, Knowledge

About Postdoc LINK

Postdoc LINK is Stony Brook University’s research symposium celebrating the work, ideas, and impact of postdoctoral scholars across disciplines. LINK stands for Leadership, Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge — the core values reflected in the postdoctoral experience and in the contributions postdocs make to the university’s research community.

The symposium brings together postdocs, faculty, campus partners, and university leaders for a day of research presentations, interdisciplinary exchange, professional connection, and recognition of postdoctoral achievement.

Event Details

The symposium will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm in the Stony Brook Union Ballroom.

Whether you are presenting, nominating a colleague, supporting postdoctoral scholars, or attending to learn more about research across disciplines, Postdoc LINK offers an opportunity to celebrate the people advancing discovery at Stony Brook.

Submit to Present

Submit an Award Nomination

Agenda: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Time	Details	Location
9:30 am to 10 am	Coffee and Registration	Union Ballroom (Lobby)
10 am to 10:15 am	Welcome and Opening Remarks	Union Ballroom
10:15 am to 11 am	LINK Lightning Talks	Union Ballroom
11 am to 11:15 am	Break
11:15 am to 12 pm	Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sonali Majumdar, author of Thriving As An International Scientist	Union Ballroom
12 pm to 1 pm	Lunch and Poster and Networking Session	Union Ballroom
1 pm to 2 pm	LINK Innovation Showcase	Union Ballroom
2 pm to 2:15 pm	Break
2:15 pm to 2:30 pm	Awards and Closing	Union Ballroom

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sonali Majumdar

Sonali Majumdar

Dr. Sonali Majumdar is an international scientist, author, higher education administrator, and educator whose career has centered on innovation, problem solving, and preparing PhDs and postdocs for dynamic career paths. Born and raised in India, she began her career in healthcare as a clinical embryologist, where she was part of a small team of physicians and embryologists that built a new IVF center in Kolkata—an early experience with entrepreneurship in healthcare.

After moving to the United States, she earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia and completed postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her research has explored RNA-protein complexes across areas including CRISPR-Cas bacterial immunity, brain development, and cancer-associated mutations. She later transitioned into higher education administration to strengthen graduate and postdoctoral training, building professional development programs for PhDs and postdocs at the University of Virginia and now through GradFUTURES at Princeton University.

Her book, Thriving as an International Scientist, draws on her experience as a career educator and mentor to support international STEM PhDs, postdocs, faculty advisors, and managers with practical strategies for career success.

Program Highlights

LINK Lightning Talks

Postdoctoral scholars will share concise research presentations designed for an interdisciplinary audience.

Poster and Networking Session

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with postdocs, campus partners, and colleagues across disciplines.

LINK Innovation Showcase

Postdocs will present innovative ideas, technologies, or approaches with potential research, entrepreneurial, policy, or community impact.

Awards

Awards, sponsored by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, will recognize outstanding postdoctoral achievement in research communication, innovation, poster presentation, leadership, and mentorship.