The UW Postdoctoral Association (UWPA) was formed in October 2004. Its formation was inspired by a Howard Hughes Medical Institute-sponsored workshop for postdocs on teaching and mentoring (see HHMI Future Faculty Fellows). Strikingly, this retreat offered the first opportunity for many postdocs working within the same department to meet each other. Since its formation, the steering committee of the UWPA has had monthly meetings, established a website and a listserv for other postdocs to join. Social events have included many happy hours and group trips to Town Hall meetings. Scientific events have included several "5 @ 5" presenations, in which 5 postdocs present a single slide in 5 minutes starting at 5 pm.