XIE Shouqi, IHB’s deputy director, presented an in-depth report on the Fisheries degree program. (Credit: IHB)

On December 6, 2024, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) held a qualification evaluation for its Fisheries degree program. The evaluation panel, composed of six experts from the State Council’s Academic Degrees Committee, the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Teaching Advisory Committee, and other key educational bodies, assessed the program’s performance.

In her opening remarks, UCAS Vice President NIU Xiaoli thanked the panel members and partner institutions for their ongoing support in developing the program. She said, "Both the university and its training sites are fully committed to upholding high standards in graduate education and academic qualifications." Niu also expressed confidence that the evaluation would identify the program’s strengths and areas for improvement, adding, "This will provide valuable insights to enhance UCAS’s degree programs and further integrate education, research, and talent development." 

XIE Shouqi, IHB’s deputy director, presented an in-depth report on the Fisheries degree program, outlining the program’s objectives, infrastructure, talent cultivation efforts, and contributions to society. XU Jun, IHB’s deputy director and Prof. XUN Pin from the Institute of Oceanology also provided self-assessments of their respective training contributions.

The expert panel thoroughly reviewed the submitted materials, engaged in discussions, and asked questions. After careful consideration, the panel praised the program's clear goals, robust training system, strong research capabilities, and its integration of scientific education. The experts also highlighted the program's alignment with national priorities and its effectiveness in preparing students for the future of fisheries science. 

The panel suggested several improvements, including expanding training opportunities, enhancing specialized courses and educational resources, and fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Following these discussions, the expert panel unanimously approved the program’s qualifications, affirming the quality of the self-assessment reports submitted by the participating training units. 

This evaluation marks a significant milestone for UCAS, confirming the ongoing success of the Fisheries program while providing valuable recommendations for its future growth. The process further solidifies the university’s commitment to fostering a unique model that integrates education with scientific research, contributing to the advancement of the fisheries discipline in China.