From November 4 to 7, the Graduate School, in collaboration with relevant colleges, organized the international evaluation on OUC’s degree programs in marine science and fisheries. Two groups of foreign experts, mainly from European and American universities, and relevant international organizations, were invited to carry out the evaluation.
President Zhang Junfeng, Vice President Liu Yong, Vice President Wang Houjie, and Assistant President Li Yan attended the evaluation.
On Nov.4 and Nov.6, the evaluation meetings were held. President Zhang Junfeng welcomed the experts on behalf of OUC, emphasizing the importance of international evaluation as a comprehensive assessment of development levels, key achievements, and areas for improvement. He noted that such evaluations are crucial for enhancing the research quality and influence of key disciplines, as well as understanding global trends in science and technology. President Zhang expressed his hope that the expert panels would thoroughly review the development and talent cultivation of the programs, and offer insights on nurturing strategic scientists, developing top-tier innovative talent, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Lin Xiaopei, Dean of the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, and Ai Qinghui, Dean of the College of Fisheries, presented self-evaluation reports on their respective programs. They provided thorough overviews of the programs’ overall development, talent cultivation, scientific research, international collaborations, institutional growth, and future plans. The two expert panels conducted a comprehensive and detailed assessment, which included on-site inspections, discussions with faculty and students, document reviews, and auditing of lectures.
The expert panel on marine science concluded that OUC has unique advantages in its marine science program, supported by a robust scientific research infrastructure, including China’s largest research vessel. They highlighted the well-rounded research system, organized curriculum, and high teaching quality. Additionally, they noted that graduates from the program are highly regarded by employers and that the program has engaged in extensive international collaboration. To further enhance the development of marine science in line with international standards, the expert group offered suggestions aimed at strengthening faculty training, optimizing the curriculum, improving talent cultivation mechanisms, deepening international exchanges, and promoting interdisciplinary integration.
The expert panel on fisheries concluded that OUC’s College of Fisheries has a strong faculty and a high-caliber research team, backed by excellent experimental facilities and cutting-edge technologies. They have achieved impressive results in talent development, scientific research, and international collaboration. The experts also noted the high regard in which graduates from the program are held in society. Additionally, they offered several constructive suggestions for optimizing faculty structure, enhancing the curriculum, defining research areas, upgrading research infrastructure, and fostering international exchanges and cooperation.
Wang Houjie and Liu Yong participated in the feedback meetings, where they engaged in in-depth discussions with the experts. They expressed their gratitude for the expert group’s hard work and careful guidance. Moving forward, the university will thoroughly analyze the experts’ feedback, develop and implement targeted action plans, and further improve its marine science and fisheries programs.
