Chula Collaborates with BGI on CHANGS Research to Analyze Holistic Health of the Elderly Population in Thailand 

Chulalongkorn University and Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) have teamed up on the CHANGS (Comprehensive Health Analysis for Aging Study) research project to analyze the holistic health of the elderly population in Thailand. The collaboration was formalized on January 31, 2025, in Room 302, Rattanawithayapat Building, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society. The signing ceremony was attended by Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, representing Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, the university’s president, and Dr. Wang Jian, Co-founder and Chairman of BGI Group.

The objective of the CHANGS project is to study and analyze the health of the elderly in Thailand using omics technology and artificial intelligence-based bioinformatics for data analysis. Chulalongkorn University will be responsible for collecting samples from volunteers and clinical data, while BGI will provide technological support. Both parties will jointly analyze the data. 

The CHANGS project will be crucial in understanding the human aging process in-depth, which will lead to the development of medical innovations, healthcare, and disease prevention for the elderly. The results of this project are expected to enhance the quality of life for the elderly, improve self-care abilities, reduce healthcare costs, and promote a healthy, happy aging society in Thailand. It is anticipated that the diagnostic methods and treatments developed will benefit elderly people and society worldwide.

Additionally, Chulalongkorn University and BGI have launched the “Chula-BGI Joint Talent Training Program” to develop students and personnel in relevant fields, which will provide the foundation for future research in this area. The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Professor Dr. Kearkiat Praditpornsilpa, Head of the Healthy Aging Project from Chulalongkorn University and Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, and Dr. Miguel Esteban, Head of the Project from BGI. 

Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt explained that Chulalongkorn University has many collaborative projects with various organizations both in Thailand and internationally. BGI is a private company from the People’s Republic of China with expertise in genomics and technologies for detecting substances that cause diseases. They have made significant contributions to research published in leading international journals. Chulalongkorn University has exchanged knowledge, technologies, and students with BGI and plans to continue future collaborative research. The elderly population is of great importance, and understanding the mechanisms that cause aging and physical degeneration is an area currently being explored. This collaboration aims to combine the strengths of both organizations—BGI’s technology and Chulalongkorn University’s expertise in studying healthy elderly populations in Thailand—to delve deeper into molecular-level causes and changes, which will help answer key questions about aging. The research will ultimately be of immense benefit to humanity. 

Furthermore, Chulalongkorn University and BGI also have programs to exchange students at the master’s and doctoral levels. 

“Understanding the mechanisms behind aging, its causes, and how to prevent or inhibit them will improve the quality of life for the elderly. The collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and BGI will be beneficial in developing shared knowledge and producing high-quality professionals in these fields, which will play a crucial role in advancing new knowledge in the future,” Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt concluded.

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