[uluyol]

This should be possible. I think it is important for scientists to do both novel and replication studies.

One way to improve on the status quo would be to make students do both types of work (the point of a PhD is to demonstrate that you can do research, by doing it. So why not do both kinds). This actually could fit in nicely in the program: first/second years tend to be inexperienced anyway, so they could start by doing some replication work. Halfway through the degree, they switch to novel work.