[Exploration and practice of cultivating top-notch innovative talents in biological sciences under the dual-track...

Top-notch innovative talents are vital strategic resources for national development. Against the backdrop of the synergistic implementation of the Strengthening Basic Disciplines Program and the Top-notch Student Training Program 2.0, there is a growing imperative to cultivate talents in biological sciences who integrate profound academic competence (having the ability) with strong practical capabilities (being capable of accomplishing tasks). In response, the School of Life Sciences at Tianjin University-building on its role as one of the first national pilot institutions of the Strengthening Basic Disciplines Program and a Top-notch Student Training Program 2.0 base-has carried out systematic reforms aiming at addressing these challenges. By creating a high-quality educational ecosystem, fostering critical thinking and innovation, and breaking down barriers among industry, university, research, and application, the school has established a dynamic talent selection mechanism and a multi-dimensional collaborative education framework. These efforts equip students with keen insights into cutting-edge biological progress and prepare them to become top-notch innovators capable of adapting to, mastering, leading, and shaping the future of biological sciences. This ongoing exploration has established replicable reform pathways for cultivating top-notch innovative talents in biological sciences at domestic universities, while also contributing fresh perspectives to the high-quality development of life science education in the new era.