Graduating without thesis: Meet the people who earn “hands-on” PhDs in China0

• SCIENCE, Science / Health, Science Mission Directorate, scientists, Space, Space Communications & Navigation Program, Space Launch System (SLS), Space Telescope, space-x-ipo, SpaceX
• July 10, 2026

Qingdao rail manufacturer CRRC Sifang Rolling Stock worked with a Chinese doctoral student to improve manufacturing techniques for its Cetrovo subway trains.Credit: Zhang Jingang/China Report/Future Publishing via Getty For most graduate students, a written thesis is a requirement to complete their studies. But in China, a law passed in 2024 allows some people to graduate