A recent article from Nature explores the outcomes of China’s first cohort of PhD candidates who are graduating with a “practical achievement” instead of a conventional written thesis. China passed a law in 2024 allowing doctoral candidates studying engineering to complete their PhD by creating an innovative product, technique, or project as part of a broader effort to overcome technological bottlenecks. Nature reporter Xiaoying You explains that this differs from similar “industrial PhD” programs in other countries in that these students are not expected to complete a written thesis as part of their studies. The author speaks to several graduates who shared their experience with these programs.
Nature (Acct Req)
