The NextGen Association, in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs, organizes a wide variety of activities at the Broad Institute.

Professional Development
Professional development for postdocs and graduate students is supported through various activities throughout the year, sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) and the NextGen Association, and the Office of People Development. Ongoing event topics include panel discussions with Broad alumni working in academia and industry, sessions on how to navigate an academic job search and seminars and workshops covering soft skills.

Skills for Success Program
A series of workshops aimed at preparing postdocs for success in the next phases of their careers. The series will help postdocs broaden and enhance their skills so they can be successful in their professional careers. Topics include giving and receiving feedback, mentoring and coaching skills, and management topics needed for junior PIs launching their independent careers.

Annual Trainee Retreat
Annually, OAA and the NextGen Association organize a day-long offsite retreat for all Broad-affiliated academic trainees to connect with one another. Last held October 1, 2019 at Samberg Conference Center, featuring keynote addresses from Carl Zimmer of the New York Times and Lydia Villa-Komaroff, PhD.

“Facing Forward” Lunch Series
Provides an opportunity for Broad trainees to engage with Scientific leaders and visionaries over an informal lunch discussion. Upcoming lunches include Dr. Aviv Regev, Dr. Feng Zhang, and Dr. Beth Stevens.

Broad Research Communication Lab (BRCL)
The Broad Research Communication Lab provides peer coaching for academic writing, speaking, and figure preparation for Broadies— by Broadies. The Lab offers peer reviewing and coaching in several areas of scientific communication such as journal and conference publications, presentations, dissertations and theses, faculty job and grant applications, resumes, CVs, and cover letters. Make an appointment or learn more: broad.io/commlab

Money Matters Lunch Series 
Lunch & Learn seminars from MIT Federal Credit Union on personal finance topics such as Credit 101, personal budgeting and basic investing.

Postdoc/Grad Student Seminar Series
Monthly seminar series featuring trainees presenting their work in an informal setting. The series allows postdocs and graduate students the chance to practice public speaking skills, present ideas to peers, and collect feedback on work.

Eliana Hechter Memorial Award
A travel grant to allow postdocs and graduate students the opportunity to attend conferences and meetings. Awarded in honor of Eliana Hechter, former Broad graduate student and founding chair of the NextGen Association.

To keep up to date on events and programming happening at Broad Institute for postdocs and graduate students subscribe to the NextGen Association Calendar: broad.io/NextGenCalendar