Iraqi scientists are harnessing the Web to help them rebuild vital links with their fellow colleagues and students.

A website, set up by Iraqi scientist Abduljabbar al-Wahedi, allows academics living in countries as far afield as New Zealand and Brazil to establish links with colleges, universities and students in Iraq, in a bid to reinvigorate further education there.

It is also appealing to Iraq's intellectuals to return home – even if only on a temporary basis – to start teaching again.