SciDev.Net

IBSA, a joint project of the departments of science and technology in Brazil, India and South Africa, promotes research collaborations between scientists working on applications of nanotechnology. Its priority fields of research include health, water treatment and agriculture. India leads its flagship project on water purification.

IBSA publishes information on participating scientists from all three countries, ongoing projects, key global events and activities, and fellowships and job openings.

The Influenza Virus Resource, published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), presents gene sequence data from the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus, or 'swine flu', outbreak and tools for analysis and annotation. It aims to help scientists compare virus strains so that emerging variations can be more quickly identified and appropriate vaccines developed.

The NCBI site also links to other resources hosting flu sequences, relevant publications and general information about flu viruses, including flu epidemics and flu virus biology.

The STEPS Centre (Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability Centre), at University of Sussex, is creating a manifesto to recommend ways of linking science to development for a sustainable future. The document is intended as an update to 'The Sussex Manifesto' published in 1970.

The website includes articles outlining the project, explaining why a new manifesto is needed and broadly outlining the proposed contents. It also publishes multimedia material — including blogs, video and images — from roundtable events that are being used to help shape the manifesto's agenda.

An interactive timeline of key events in science for development is available, as well as a list of key documents and links.

The IRD is a French public science and technology research institute that conducts research, consultancy and training towards supporting sustainable development in developing countries. The main interest focuses on the relationship between people and the environment, including diseases such as malaria. The IRD website can be read in either French or English, and has background information and press releases on its research activities, and a list of sponsored research centres throughout Central Africa.

This organisation provides the US government with independent scientific analysis and advice on health issues through expert panels, including one on tropical diseases such as malaria. Recent major activities include the launch of a new African Science Academies Development Initiative, with the assistance of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

IASO is an umbrella organisation for 52 national obesity associations across 56 countries. Its mission statement is to "improve global health by promoting the understanding of obesity and weight-related diseases through scientific research and dialogue, whilst encouraging the development of effective policies for their prevention and management."

The organisation is strongly advocacy-based and publishes frequent statements aimed at policymakers on how to tackle obesity. The website also contains detailed data on the global prevalence of obesity. Since obese people are often at high risk for other diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the website also outlines these risks, offering links to other relevant associations.