15 April 2025

Based on previous insights and recommendations from staff surveys, the European HR logo ‘Excellence in Research’ and Leiden University’s change vision on ‘Recognition and Rewards’, attention is being drawn to the need of academic staff for more time for research and societal relevance and less time spent on teaching and leadership tasks.

A research sabbatical provides dedicated time for research in the form of a defined time block. This block allows for a period free from teaching duties, including committee work and, as far as possible, thesis supervision, for each member of the academic staff. The aim is to enable the initiation, execution and/or completion of substantial research programmes and projects (such as writing a grant proposal or completing a book). This can be a maximum of one academic year, potentially extended with teaching-free periods in the summer and/or after the Christmas break.

See the full Guidelines Research Sabbatical for more information.