The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of academic interest and academic aspirations in shaping postgraduate students' innovation abilities. A sample of 847 postgraduate students from the regions of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai was utilised. Structural equation model, employing partial least squares, a second-generation statistical software package, was employed for data analysis. The study reveals three key findings. First of all, it affirms a significant and positive correlation between the research training environment and the innovation abilities of postgraduate students. Secondly, it identifies academic interests and aspirations as crucial mediators within the intricate network of relationships connecting the research training environment and research innovation capabilities among postgraduate students in China. Moreover, academic interest and academic aspirations sequentially mediate this process, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics involved. Using these insights, higher education administrators can improve postgraduate student development and research training procedures.