MCRO Graduate Student Oaths | Microbiology and Immunology

Graduate Student Oath 2024

“I, [FIRST NAME], pledge to conduct myself with scientific integrity and ethics as a member of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Throughout my Ph.D. training, I commit to conducting research that benefits humanity without causing harm.

I will value the past and present contributions of others to my work, including collaborators, patients, families, and other scientists.

I will use resources and technology responsibly and represent my work with honesty.

I accept the responsibilities of a scientist, including the pursuit of knowledge, mentorship, collaboration, and scientific communication.

I will honor my physical, mental, and emotional health so as not to lessen the quality of research I conduct. I will foster an environment that allows others to do the same and promote inclusivity and diversity in our scientific community.

I will seek to advance the biomedical sciences and contribute to knowledge of human health. These things I do promise.”

Written and unanimously approved by the M&I 2024 cohort, 5/7/24.

Modified from oaths used at West Virginia University (1), the University of Toronto (2), Boston University (3), and UNC Chapel Hill (4-6).

1. Craig et al., (2003) An ethical affirmation for scientists. Science 299, 1982.

2. Davis et al. (2008) A graduate student oath. Science 320, 1587.

3. Ravid & Wolozin (2013) The scientist’s pledge. Academic Medicine 88, 743.

4. 2014 Graduate Student Oath, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

5. 2021 Graduate Student Oath, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

6. 2023 Graduate Student Oath, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Graduate Student Oath 2023

“I, [NAME], have entered the serious pursuit of new knowledge as a member of the community of scientists in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. As I embark on my Ph.D. training, I willingly pledge the following:

As a member of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, I pledge to uphold and practice scientific integrity and ethics.

Throughout my Ph.D. training, I will conduct research that benefits humanity and adheres to the highest principles of logic, intellectual rigor, and truth.

I will strive to be a responsible steward of resources, increase public understanding of science, and promote inclusivity and diversity in my research and professional life.

Finally, I will honor the contributions of those who came before me and serve as a role model for future scientists.

By taking this oath, I commit to these professional standards and goals.”

Written and unanimously approved by the 2nd year class, 5/24/23.

Graduate Student Oath 2022

I will contribute constructively to the culture and well-being of the department and larger community;

I will foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable being their full selves, including, but not limited to disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnic background;

I will strive to ensure that the results of my research and other scientific activities ultimately benefit humanity and cause no harm;

I will endeavor to always be ethical and moral, conducting myself with scientific integrity and intellectual rigor in my research and professional life with an uncompromising respect for truth;

I will convey these scientific principles in my chosen profession, in mentoring, and in public debate;

I will actively participate in outreach and community-building to engage the next generation of scientists;

I will seek to clearly communicate my work to increase public understanding of science, including scientific principles, and its humanitarian goals.

By pronouncing this Graduate Student Oath, I declare my commitment to these professional standards and goals.”

Written and unanimously approved by the 2nd year class, 5/6/22.

Modified from oaths used at West Virginia University (1), the University of Toronto (2), Boston University (3), and UNC Chapel Hill (4).

1. Craig et al., (2003) An ethical affirmation for scientists. Science 299, 1982.

2. Davis et al. (2008) A graduate student oath. Science 320, 1587.

3. Ravid & Wolozin (2013) The scientist’s pledge. Academic Medicine 88, 743.

4. 2021 Graduate Student Oath, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Graduate Student Oath 2021

I will strive to be a leader within the department and to contribute constructively to the culture, wellbeing, and community.

I will foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable being their full selves, inclusive of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnic background.

I will strive to always be ethical and moral, conducting myself with scientific integrity in my research and professional life.

I will acknowledge and honor the contributions of scientists who have preceded me and strive to be a worthy role model and mentor for those who follow me. I will actively participate in outreach and community-building to engage the next generation of scientists.

I will seek to clearly communicate my work to increase public understanding of science, including scientific principles, and its humanitarian goals.

With this Graduate Student Oath, I declare my commitment to these professional standards and goals.”

Written and unanimously approved by the 2nd year class, 6/30/21.

Graduate Student Oath 2014-2020

I will strive always to ensure that the results of my research and other scientific activities ultimately benefit humanity and cause no harm;

I will seek to incorporate the body of ethics and moral principles that constitute scientific integrity into all that I do and will conduct my research and my professional life in a manner that is always above reproach;

I will practice and support a scientific process that is based on logic, intellectual rigor, personal integrity, and an uncompromising respect for truth;

I will convey these scientific principles in my chosen profession, in mentoring, and in public debate;

I will be a responsible steward of the resources provided by taxpayers and donors in support of my education and research;

I will seek to increase public understanding of the principles of science and its humanitarian goals;

I will acknowledge and honor the contributions of scientists who have preceded me, and try to become a worthy role model deserving of respect by those who follow me.

By pronouncing this Graduate Student Oath, I declare my commitment to these professional standards and goals.”

Modified from oaths used at West Virginia University (1), the University of Toronto (2), and Boston University (3).

1. Craig et al., (2003) An ethical affirmation for scientists. Science 299, 1982.

2. Davis et al. (2008) A graduate student oath. Science 320, 1587.

3. Ravid & Wolozin (2013) The scientist’s pledge. Academic Medicine 88, 743.

Last updated 2/3/2025.