SciDev.Net

Satellites can save lives from natural disasters but developing countries risk missing the opportunity through poor political support.

Clean technology to meet poor communities' needs must lie at the heart of any sustainable strategy to combat climate change.

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Will UNESCO's likely new head have the vision to deliver much-needed change in the organisation — especially in its science programmes?

A survey of our contributors suggests improvements, but has also highlighted the challenges of science reporting in developing countries.

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

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

The Myanmar cyclone and Chinese earthquake highlight the need for effective dissemination of information, both before and after a disaster.

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

The simple communication of key scientific information to the public needs to be improved if sustainable development is to be a realistic goal.

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.

China's efforts to build an innovation-based economy require a less hierarchical approach to organising its research system.

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.

China needs to put its faith in its people, regional government and media if it wants to achieve government transparency.

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.