The BRIDGES consortium, the first initiative of its kind funded by NIDDK, is designed to increase diversity and support early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in securing research funding in nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and related fields. By providing tailored mentoring, career development, grant-writing support, and pilot funding across four leading programs nationwide, BRIDGES empowers the next generation of scientific leaders to drive innovation and address critical health disparities.

This chapter aligns with SDGs 7, 11, and 10, by offering a case study on renewable energy and rural electrification in Ecuador, in the context of socioeconomic challenges and climate change, whilst also drawing on other examples from developing countries elsewhere.