Mini Sabbatical Program


Vandetbilt Digestive Disease Research Center members are encouraged to apply for one- to two- week leaves to work in another laboratory for either the acquisition of new techniques or to establish a new model related to digestive disease research. 

Guidelines for Management of the Program

To permit the acquisition of new technologies or models for the study of digestive disease, the VDDRC has implemented a Mini Sabbatical Program within the Enrichment Program. Center members are able to request funds for travel and accommodation to go to another laboratory for up to four weeks.

It is also possible to request a “reverse sabbatical”  for an outside investigator to come to Vanderbilt to work with a member of the VDDRC to establish new techniques or models in the member’s laboratory.

There is no specific deadline for application for these mini sabbaticals. However, they must be completed within a given budget year for accounting purposes.   

Program Request Process

  1. Submit a one-page request for Enrichment Training Mini Sabbatical. The member’s department Chair or administrative supervisor must sign the request.
  2. Fill out an application form here (link opens a PDF). Save the form to your computer, print it, have your supervisor sign it and email the application to Nikki Hirsch.
  3. Members are encouraged to discuss their idea for a mini sabbatical with Dr. Richard Peek prior to completing an application. 

Those interested in the VDDRC Enrichment Training Mini Sabbatical are also encouraged to explore the Academy of Investigators program.