MX-RFC-UAQ510111MQ9-SCOLARS Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro The aim of the study was to to develop a competitive grant application for a research programme on preventing childhood obesity in Mexico, Bangladesh and Pakistan. To develop a strong future application, in this Development Award, we wished to address some gaps and to strengthen our team. Our objectives were therefore to: 1. Strengthen the applicant team We did a formal stakeholder mapping exercise to identify, relevant experts in research, policymaking, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and community organisations related to childhood obesity. 2. Build capacity for global health research For this objective we: a) built capacity in community engagement and involvement for researchers and community members; b) developed grantsmanship skills for mid-career researchers; c) strengthened the university to lead submission of a grant application and management of an award; and d) developed a research capacity strengthening strategy. 3. Refine the future research programme The team developed two detailed grant applications that focused on the implementation of a childhood obesity national strategy in Mexico. The applications were peer-reviewed by an internal team of academics drawn from all participants. 4. Establish equitable partnership working We aimed to establish equitable South-South and North-South partnerships. The future research programme’s governance structure was agreed upon through consensus including a discussion of shared values. Draft terms of reference for the project management team and advisory board was developed, placing importance on the equitable distribution of responsibilities and decision-making process, including gender equity. The North-to-South partnership was established by complementing key expertise such as public health, nutritional epidemiology, statistics, trials and financial governance and through mentorship. North partners will also be included in the study management meetings. University of York ARK Foundation This developmental award started in January 2025 Mexico was the recipient country, though other countries participated, such as UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This award focuses on the development of research proposal to tackle childhood obesity