Scientific Catalyst Programs
The Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases Research Center supports members with a variety of programming throughout the year, including a a mini sabbatical, Academy of Investigators, and an annual retreat.
Mini Sabbatical Program
Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases 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.
Academy of Investigators Program
The goal of the Academy of Investigators is to expand trainee's knowledge base and comfort level in dealing with the "non-science" aspects of a career in academic medicine.
The group generally meets the third Tuesday of every month during the academic year in a lunch-meeting format with invited guest speakers to discuss topics such as: networking, managing lab finances, using the interview process to select the right people for your lab, dealing with different personalities in the lab, getting manuscripts written in a timely manner, CV preparation, etc.
This program is required for all N type Investigators and trainees on the GI T32 grant and is also recommended for basic and clinical scientists. If you have any questions regarding the program email Lori Coburn.
Co-sponsored Symposia, Retreats and Seminars
The Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases Research Center co-sponsors symposia, retreats, seminars and other events with partners across the Vanderbilt Health and University system. The VDDRC hosts a regular seminar and career development series and an annual retreat; the Academy of Investigators hosts regular workshops. We partner with the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and and Inflammation (VI4) and Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer (CMIC) for regular seminars and the Epithelial Biology Center for seminars and a biennial symposia.
VDDRC Annual Retreat
The next Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases Research Center Retreat will be held in April 2027.