Postdocs in the United States have never been held in the same level of esteem as other professionals. Members of under-represented groups, such as women and racial minorities, face additional challenges in the scientific workforce, including feelings of isolation, cultural misunderstandings and difficulties in communicating need. Mentoring and support from faculty members, staff and peers have been cited as key factors in ensuring postdoctoral success.

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is committed to serving the diverse needs of the entire postdoctoral community. We lead the Diversity Committee of the NPA, which focuses on advocacy and providing resources for members of racial/ethnic minority groups, women, people with disabilities, and those of different sexual orientation. The committee has been very active since its inception three years ago, including organizing workshops at the annual meetings of the NPA, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, and the Compact for Faculty Diversity's Institute on Teaching and Mentoring.

In partnership with the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Program of Howard University (in Washington DC) and the University of Texas at El Paso, we have created a unique programme called the Institute on Preparing for the Postdoctorate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This two-day workshop seeks to help students nearing the end of graduate school to understand the importance of postdoctoral training and the steps necessary to ensure a successful experience. About 40 students took part in each of the past two years.

Topics of discussion include different types of postdoctoral opportunities, how to select the best institution and lab, how to secure funding and grants, developing a career plan, and the unique experiences of underrepresented groups. Speakers include former and current postdoctoral fellows, faculty members interested in hiring postdocs and representatives from funding agencies. The key features of the workshop are that it is informal and interactive. We have received positive feedback from participants and speakers. We will be expanding this year by providing similar programmes at other organizations with postdocs and at scientific society meetings.