Linux im Sommer

In most countries, earning a PhD means writing a dissertation. Hundreds of pages of theory, research, and citations that very few people will ever read. China decided to try something different. Under a law passed in 2024, select universities can now award engineering doctorates based on physical prototypes, new techniques, or major installations instead of traditional papers. The rule is straightforward: build something that works in real life and at scale, and you can graduate. The first cohort has already finished. Zheng Hehui earned his doctorate by designing reinforced steel blocks that snap together like Lego to form massive bridge pylons. His invention is already in use on the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, the world's longest cable-stayed bridge. Wei Lianfeng became the first practical PhD graduate at Harbin Institute of Technology by developing vacuum laser welding processes for the Nuclear Power Institute of China. Another candidate built a fire-fighting system for large seaplanes. At least 11 engineers have now earned their doctorates through this route. Since 2022, more than 60 universities and 100 companies have collaborated, selecting over 20,000 students for practical doctorate programmes. The goal is to close the gap between academic theory and industrial application, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. One student built a bridge. Another welded nuclear components. And they got the same three letters as everyone else. The US doesn't have such a program. What do you think? Good idea or not? Weigh in

mein 18kg Terrier so: Jap, den reiß ich in Stücke 👹