| This study investigates the influence of interdisciplinary learning experiences on the research output and interdisciplinary research capabilities of recipients of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in the natural sciences over the period from 2000 to 2020. The findings indicate that interdisciplinary learning is particularly prevalent during the "undergraduate-master" phase, within the field of life sciences, and between natural sciences and engineering. Interdisciplinary learning experiences have been shown to reduce the incubation period for "Distinguished Young Scholars" by approximately 1.14 years. This significantly enhances the quantity, quality, and level of international collaboration in their research output. Furthermore, interdisciplinary learning increases the diversity and differentiation of interdisciplinary research, although it may have a certain negative impact on research balance. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed: first, to promote multi-level interdisciplinary talent cultivation, especially in applied fields and related major disciplines; second, to reflect on the integrated training model for top innovative talents in the natural sciences, with a focus on addressing the developmental needs at each stage of talent growth; third, to encourage problem-oriented interdisciplinary research and to improve the evaluation system for interdisciplinary research achievements. |
