Between Theory and Practice: Call for Papers on Hybrid Doctoral Programs

Traditional PhD programs are often criticized for being far from what employers need: graduates find it hard to use their knowledge in real work, and the practical value of their research is questioned. On the other hand, fully industry-driven programs can lose academic depth and weaken basic research. Is there a “third way” that meets both academic and practical goals? The special issue seeks papers on professional, industrial, and other hybrid doctoral formats that try to strike this balance. Researchers and experts are welcome to join the discussion.
Guest editors
The issue will be led by participants in the joint project “Transformation of doctoral education in China and Russia”:
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Svetlana Zhuchkova
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Chuanyi Wang
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Fei Guo
Key dates
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Abstracts: 11 August 2025
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Full papers: 31 July 2026
For details on aims, topics, and submission guidelines, please visit the journal website:https://journals.sagepub.com/page/CNE/call-for-papers/DOC.
Note: The International Journal of Chinese Education is ranked Q2 in Scopus for Education and is on HSE University’s List C.