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.

Science and technology can contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of tropical cyclones.

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.

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

A recent report is a welcome analysis of modern agriculture's future, but it fails to adequately recognise the role of science and technology.

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.

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

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

Europe's recent bid to attract more skilled workers underlines developing countries' need for greater – not less – investment in their intellectual capital.

Universities in developing countries should ditch the 'ivory tower' legacy of colonialism and enhance their links with the world outside.

The fight against biopiracy must embrace both legitimate science and social justice if biodiversity itself is not to suffer.

Almost unnoticed, Nepal is developing simple and cheap technologies that make the best of local resources and don't damage the environment.

Improving scientific literacy in developing countries' parliaments would boost sustainable development.

At its global summit next week the G8 needs to build on the work of its predecessors, putting science and technology back at the heart of the international aid agenda.

The row over the World Bank president's behaviour reinforces the need to safeguard its lending policies from ideological pressure.

All members of the media must work together to ensure sustainable development is given the attention it deserves.

The work of science journalists needs greater recognition as an essential precondition for transparent, responsive and accountable government.