CMB Western Rural Network has expressed high demand for developing their faculty’s research capacity. This four-year project at $268,740 will provide opportunities for faculties from selected schools of the rural network to pursue PhD studies in epidemiology in relation to rural health policy and systems. The training will be led by Professor Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, who is internationally recognized for his academic vigor and social commitment. Up to seven Chinese faculty members will be trained in three-year PhD programs, typically with the first year in Thailand, second year in China for data collection, and third year for analysis and thesis writing in Thailand. The all-inclusive cost will be less than $40,000 per PhD student over three years. CMB has supported Professor Chongsuvivatwong to visit Guangxi, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia generating an excellent crop of candidates for the first batch of students.