Research Induction Ceremony

Friday, December 11th, 2009

Our Research Induction Ceremony for first-year graduate students is unique to doctoral research training at the national level and illustrates WVU's commitment to graduate education. In 2006, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center hosted the first “Research Induction Ceremony.” At this ceremony, students receive their first laboratory coat from their newly selected mentors and recite the “Ethical Affirmation for Scientists, an oath of scientific integrity, which we believe is also unique to WVU (published in Science in 2003). The laboratory coat symbolizes the entry of these young scientists into research and discovery, thus enhancing the bonding of student and mentor in a mutually supportive interaction that is key to successful training for a career in research. It is appropriate for our students to recite the Ethical Affirmation for Scientists, written by three WVU faculty members, as they enter the research portion of their training and consider its importance and begin to incorporate its principles of scientific integrity and ethics. This oath is again recited by our graduates at their Investiture Ceremony, upon awarding of the Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.

An added value of the “Research Induction Ceremony” is that family members, relatives, and friends have the opportunity to learn about the Ph.D. degree and to socialize with the graduate faculty and students within the research environment of our institution. This Ceremony has become an annual celebration for our Ph.D. students in biomedical sciences, public health sciences, health sciences outcomes, and nursing research. This special occasion serves to emphasize the value of our graduate students to society and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to their success.

( Back to Biomedical Sciences )