We need to revive the rights-based agenda and realign research priorities for women's health, says Priya Shetty.

Building a knowledge society in the Islamic World requires structural change — not fads and symbolism, argues Athar Osama.

Handing out free laptops to schoolchildren is not enough to improve education in Pakistan, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.

Farming projects must be able to access research at any point along the innovation trajectory, say Rasheed Sulaiman V. and colleagues.

Stunning fundraising success at Stellenbosch University is a model for others in Africa, but leadership is crucial, says Linda Nordling.

Countries in the region need an organised, concerted effort to strengthen scientific input into decision-making, urges Crispin Maslog.

India's scientific research is flagging — its revival will depend on changes in leadership and culture, says Gautam R. Desiraju.

Biopesticides are better and safer than chemical pesticides — policymakers must do more to promote them, says insect ecologist Manuele Tamò.

Africa's health research capacity is growing but needs a stronger workforce, say Carel IJsselmuiden and colleagues.

Reforms in the Arab region should focus on transitioning to a green economy, argues award-winning environmental advocate Najib Saab.

Western universities are best-placed to provide developing country students with entrepreneurship training, argues Iqbal Z. Quadir.

Tackling gender equality with science and technology doesn't have to mean reinventing the wheel, argues Calestous Juma.

African governments with technology policies that focus only on ICT should rethink their priorities, says Ndubuisi Ekekwe.

Farmers are more likely to use GM crops if they are involved in crop development in the right way, say Obidimma Ezezika and Justin Mabeya.

Pakistan’s universities need to have academic freedom to excel, rather than churn out fake research papers, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.

The proposed Sustainable Development Goals need more focus on health to continue the progress achieved with MDGs, argues Priya Shetty.

South Sudan's prosperity depends on more public universities serving more students — and focussing on S&T, not humanities, says John A. Akec.

Open innovation is key to the success of iHub and can change the working culture of any community of innovators, says Linda Kamau.

English may be the language of science, but students learn better and contribute more when taught in their local tongue, says Giovanni Tapang.

The online encyclopaedia can fill a resource gap for students, policymakers and the public, say Samuel A. Assefa and Alex Bateman.