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Scientific scrupulousness and integrity lie at the very heart of science. It is of great importance to give more explicit attention to these subjects during researchers’ education. These days an increasing number of scientists from throughout the world, all with their own specific moral standards, are working in Dutch research. This article argues the case for an oath or a pledge of scientific integrity to be sworn by researchers at the start of their doctoral studies, accompanied by some ceremony. Not only would this create a point of moral reference for the future but would also, possibly more importantly, provide us with a moment of ceremony: by paying explicit attention to scientific integrity we impart it with gravity.

Conflict of interest and financial support: a disclosure form provided by the author is available along with the full text of this article at www.ntvg.nl; search for A6064, click on ‘Belangenverstrengeling’ (‘Conflict of interest’).