Research Induction Ceremony

This ceremony marks an important step in the lives of our doctoral students who have completed their core educational course work, identified their mentors, and are now entering their selected areas of graduate research. The laboratory coat presented at this Ceremony symbolizes the entry of these young scientists into the process of research and discovery. It also serves to recognize the bonding of mentor and student in a mutually supportive interaction that is key to successful training for a career in research.

The Ethical Affirmation for Scientists, which we believe is unique to our Health Sciences Center, was written by three WVU faculty and published in the journal Science in March of 2003. This oath of scientific integrity is recited by our first-year students at the Research Induction Ceremony and at the Investiture Ceremony upon awarding of the Ph.D., M.D.-Ph.D., or M.S. degree.