SciDev.Net

The Indian Institute of Science is a shining example of how a developing country can do basic science, but it needs to link its research more to social needs.

We must clarify the 'human right' to science — and remind governments of their contractual obligation to uphold it.

Science academies in the developing world must engage with the real world if they want to influence policy.

The US election has implications for science and foreign aid policy, and so for the poorest people across the developing world.

Getting science into policymaking is challenging — but a recent workshop for African parliamentary researchers suggested new ways forward.

A commitment to development-oriented innovation should be high on the agenda at the upcoming MDG summit in New York.

A new study confirms the valuable role of 'intermediary organisations' in bringing scientific and policy-making communities closer together.

Commodity price rises are no substitute for long-term investment in infrastructure and capacity as a means of securing sustained development.

Governments and donors must find ways to tackle the rise in non-communicable disease, which can mean reassessing health priorities in developing nations.

More efforts are needed to hold the leaders of the G8 nations to commitments made at their annual summit meetings.

African ministers have committed themselves to a set of actions to boost health research in their countries. Now they must implement them.

Successful efforts to implement effective South–South research collaboration require a better understanding of what works best and why.

An evaluation of Dutch-funded research programmes in developing countries raises questions about the concept of local "ownership".

Washington should use the new wave of optimism for science to drive policy-making rather than to boost political agendas.

Bill and Melinda Gates' forays into aid are to be welcomed, but they can only succeed alongside government involvement.

As this year's president of the G8, Japan has an opportunity to boost international support for science and technology in development.

Developing countries need economic stability and social inclusion to develop — both of which are in jeopardy in Kenya and Pakistan as 2008 dawns.

A commitment to biofuels should be based on a careful assessment of their prospective benefits and costs, not a blind leap of faith.

Delay in the implementation of Africa's plan of action for science and technology suggests commitment to act does not yet go deep enough.

The world must not miss its second chance to take a radically different approach to energy consumption.