Core Points - The article discusses the innovative approach taken by East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in allowing master's students to obtain degrees through practical achievements rather than solely through traditional thesis submissions [1][2] - Starting from January 1, 2025, the new regulations will enable master's and doctoral candidates to present practical results as equivalent to academic papers for degree applications [1][2] Group 1: Degree Reform - ECUST has established specific guidelines for master's degree applications, allowing engineering students to submit practical results such as research reports, case studies, and product designs [2] - The university aims to encourage students to focus on real-world engineering problems and cutting-edge technology research [2] Group 2: Practical Achievements - In the 2022 graduating class, two students, including Yan Shanyi, applied for their master's degrees based on practical results, with Yan's project expected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by over 4,200 tons annually [3] - The collaboration between academic and industry mentors ensures that the practical results meet both academic standards and industry requirements [3] Group 3: Curriculum Integration - Courses like "Biocatalysis and Molecular Engineering" involve collaboration between university professors and industry experts, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training [4] - The course structure includes project-based learning (PBL) and real project involvement, providing students with a pathway from education to employment [4] Group 4: Industry Collaboration - ECUST's reform extends beyond degree awarding, embedding industry needs into the entire evaluation system for engineering master's and doctoral programs [5] - The university collaborates with companies like Dongfang Electric Group to provide comprehensive support for students, including research funding and career development opportunities [5]

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]