Chulalongkorn University and BGI are collaborating on the CHANGS Initiative (Comprehensive Health Analysis for Aging Study), a groundbreaking research project focused on healthy aging in Thailand. By integrating single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and AI-driven healthcare, CHANGS aims to advance medical innovation and improve elderly care.
As part of this collaboration, both institutes offer a Joint International PhD Program, where candidates conducting research in the CHANGS Initiative may qualify for the CHANGS Excellence Track, which provides exclusive scholarship support.
Program Features
Interdisciplinary multi-mentorship from leading experts in genomics and aging research.
Extensive industry-academia-research integration, providing limitless growth and development opportunities.
Personalized global career development plan, with priority entry into the BGI management trainee program.
Hands-on experience in international big science projects, covering genomics, single-cell omics, and spatiotemporal omics.
Research Topics & Supervisors for CHANGS
The program offers research opportunities in the following areas:
1. Aging Measurement: Multi-omic profiling of human blood and tissues to study aging processes.
2. Anti-Aging Therapies: Evaluation of therapeutic interventions targeting aging in human populations.
3. AI-Based Organ Aging Models: Constructing organ biology age models using artificial intelligence algorithms.
4. Machine Learning & Multi-Omics Integration: Bridging data and discovery in aging research.
Each project is supervised by experienced researchers from both Chulalongkorn University and BGI, the profile of supervisor teams can be accessed here: Research Topics & Supervisorsfor CHANGS.
The CHANGS Excellence Track
Program Duration
PhD Program: 3 Years
Direct PhD Program: 5 Years
Students in the CHANGS Excellence Track will study in Thailand for one academic year and in China for two to four years, receiving financial support from both institutions for three consecutive years. For inquiries, please contact: bgi-college@genomics.cn
Financial Support & Benefits
From Chulalongkorn University (For students studying in Thailand):
1. Round-trip airfare (economy class, actual cost, with maximum limits per trip):
1) ASEAN countries: 8,500 THB
2) Asian countries: 12,000 THB
3) Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa: 20,000 THB
4) North and South America: 30,000 THB
2. Tuition fees covered (excluding faculty/program-specific fees)
3. Living stipend and accommodation allowance: 16,000 THB per month.
From BGI：
1. BGI Research Assistantships (For students studying in China)：
Master’s Students:
• Stipend: 2,000-3,000 CNY/month
• Incentive subsidy: 500 × k CNY/month (“k” refers to an evaluation coefficient)
• Meal allowance: 800 CNY/month
• BGI training & accommodation fees waived
PhD Students:
• Stipend: 3,000-4,000 CNY/month
• Incentive subsidy: 500 × k CNY/month
• Meal allowance: 800 CNY/month
• BGI training & accommodation fees waived
All students must pay an administrative fee of 490 CNY/month and dormitory utility costs. Free accommodation is provided in the BGI campuses in Chinese Mainland, with standards depending on local facilities.
(Research assistantship arrangements are subject to annual budget adjustments, with final interpretation rights reserved by BGI.)
2. BGI Pinnacle Exploration Scholarship (For all students enrolled in joint training program)
Master’s Students: 10,909 CNY
PhD Students: 19,757 CNY
(Awarded to ~5% of all current students annually.)
Symbolism: The scholarship name is derived from the heights of Mount Everest (8,848 m) and the depth of the Mariana Trench (10,909 m), symbolizing the spirit of scientific exploration. 19,757 is the sum of both numbers.
General Track Option
Chulalongkorn University and BGI have a long-standing partnership in joint training. Beyond CHANGS, students can also apply for the General Track, which includes:
• 2-year Master’s Program
• 3-year PhD Program
• 5-year Direct PhD Program
The General Track covers a broader range of omics research areas, and students will spend at least one semester in Thailand. Funding is provided by only one institution at a time, based on the study location. The program details can be accessed here:
Master’s Programs in the Faculty of Medicine
Ph.D. Programs in the Faculty of Medicine
How to Apply
Required Documents
2. Passport
3. CV
4. Graduation certificate and transcript
5. English efficiency test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
6. Two recommendation letters
7. Statement of Interest for the BGI Joint Program (within two pages)
Please submit applications to medical.sciences.cu@gmail.com
Admission Process
1. Panel Interview
2. PI Interview
(CHANGS Excellence Track candidates are assessed alongside general applicants.)
Application Timeline
Round 1 (First Semester Intake)
• Application Period: January - March
• Interview & Scholarship Review: April
• Semester Starts: August
Round 2 (Second Semester Intake)
• Application & Interview: September
• Scholarship Review: October
• Semester Starts: January
For application inquiries, contact: medical.sciences.cu@gmail.com