Core Points - The article discusses the innovative approach taken by East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) to allow master's students to use practical achievements in industry as a basis for their degree, starting from 2025 [2][3] - The new regulations aim to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world engineering challenges, encouraging students to focus on practical solutions [3][4] Group 1: Educational Reform - Starting from January 1, 2025, the new Degree Law of the People's Republic of China will provide a legal foundation for applying practical achievements in degree conferral [3] - ECUST has established specific guidelines allowing engineering master's students to submit practical results such as research reports, case studies, and product designs instead of traditional thesis papers [3][4] - The initiative aims to enhance the relevance of academic training to industry needs, with a focus on engineering problems and cutting-edge technology [3][5] Group 2: Industry Collaboration - The program emphasizes collaboration between students and industry experts, with two-thirds of the thesis defense committee comprising professionals from the industry [2][4] - ECUST has customized 49 training programs for the 2025 cohort, ensuring that students engage with real industrial challenges while studying [4][5] - The integration of industry mentors in the curriculum is designed to provide students with practical insights and enhance their employability [5][6] Group 3: Practical Outcomes - The practical achievement submitted by a student, Yan Shanyi, is expected to help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by over 4,200 tons annually once implemented [3][4] - The collaboration between academic and industry mentors ensures that the practical projects meet both academic standards and industry requirements [4][5] - The program includes a "course-internship-employment" certification mechanism, allowing high-performing students to bypass technical interviews in companies [5][6]