Salon – Debate – Should Teaching Be Required for Postdocs?

Should all postdocs be required to teach? Join Sara Zsadanyi and Rachel Allen for a live debate on 10 December at 8pm GMT and cast your vote.

Debate Motion:

This House would make teaching experience mandatory for all postdoctoral researchers.

While some argue it enhances communication skills, broadens career opportunities, and supports student learning, others suggest it may overburden researchers, divert focus from academic outputs, or simply not suit every career path. Join this debate to explore whether teaching should be required or remain optional.

Speaker For the Motion:

Sara Zsadanyi is a PhD Student in the Sant Pau Memory Unit – Neuroimaging Core and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Originally from New Zealand she moved to Barcelona, Spain to undertake her PhD. Her research is focused on neuroimaging of small vessel disease in Down Syndrome and autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease.

Speaker Against the Motion:

Rachel Allen is a PhD Student (now passed her viva) at University of West Scotland. Rachel is focussed on researching the career development for those with young onset dementia, exploring the the relationships between work, identity and disability.

What to Expect

Join us for a live online debate where our speakers will present opposing views on the continued relevance of animal models in dementia research. The session will include:

• 10-minute opening statements from each speaker
• Moderated discussion
• Audience Q&A
• Live vote before and after the debate to see if opinions shift

This is your chance to consider how we define postdoctoral development, and whether teaching should be seen as essential or optional for future academic success.