The cultivation of innovative awareness and practical competence among undergraduate students has become a central theme in higher education reform worldwide. Within the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the integration of scientific research and education is particularly significant, as it not only preserves traditional medical knowledge but also equips students with the skills to address contemporary healthcare challenges. This study explores the developmental trajectory, current status, and future prospects of innovation-oriented education in TCM undergraduate programs, with a focus on the collaborative model of “integration of science and education.” Through literature review, policy analysis, and case study of ongoing initiatives, the paper identifies major challenges such as narrow curriculum design, insufficient research engagement, limited exposure to interdisciplinary learning, and weak support mechanisms. To address these issues, a framework driven by research projects is proposed, emphasizing multi-level integration of teaching, research, and practice. The study also highlights the necessity of robust support systems, including funding guarantees, faculty development, infrastructure, and evaluation mechanisms. Findings suggest that project-driven participation in research activities significantly enhances students’ ability to think critically, solve problems, and translate knowledge into practice. The paper concludes that building a sustainable and systematic innovation training model is essential for strengthening the competitiveness of TCM education and for cultivating a new generation of practitioners and researchers capable of bridging tradition with modern science.
Li et al. (Fri,) studied this question.