R&D funds levied on business must build organisations that offer short-term benefits through a clear strategy, says Athar Osama.

Some Muslim countries' powerful financial incentives to make quick progress in research could backfire, cautions Athar Osama.

Arab Spring revolutionaries turning to governance must adopt knowledge and innovation as barometers for progress, says Athar Osama.

Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan discusses how global cooperation on science can benefit a knowledge-hungry world.

The Islamic World Academy of Sciences has been challenged to build bridges. The hardest may be between disciplines, says Athar Osama.

Desertec, an ambitious solar power project in the Middle East and Africa, should be more transparent and participatory, argues Athar Osama.

Plans for science collaboration in the Muslim world aren't working and need a major revamp, says Athar Osama.

The two regions have much to gain from coordinating research and enhancing scientific cooperation on solar energy, says Frank Lehner.

Ambitious plans for a 'desert development corridor' in Egypt could provide a concrete example of the social value of science, says Athar Osama.

Egypt's 'science city' will not build a science culture without its people empowered by academic experience abroad, argues Austin Dacey.

Islamic nations should form a 'forward bloc' on science for development to reverse a poor record of collaboration, argues Athar Osama.

The Islamic world needs new mechanisms that enable leaders to interact informally and share scientific knowledge, argues Athar Osama.

S&T ministerial committee must reform its Inter-Islamic Networks to promote real collaboration with clear objectives, argues Athar Osama.

Egypt has a chance to operate its science institutions as meritocracies — a difficult but critical task, says Bruce Alberts.

Partnerships that team up high-quality universities in Gulf states with talent in more populous nations can benefit everyone, says Athar Osama.

Islamic nations must reshape Vision 1441 and promote innovation to create knowledge economies, say Syeda Tanveer Kausar Naim and Ali Shah.

US science diplomacy needs a boost, and science attachés to Arab countries could help ensure sustainable programmes, says Farouk El-Baz.

Is the turmoil in Arab countries fertile ground for science diplomacy? Yes, but only with due attention to local context, argues Athar Osama.

Islamic countries should invest in science for development with local, multidisciplinary and inclusive research, argues Naser Faruqui.

Islamic nations' ministerial committee on S&T cooperation must refocus on policy leadership or risk losing relevance, says Athar Osama.