SciDev.Net

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

Japan is the latest country to give scientific cooperation with developing countries a higher profile in its foreign aid policies.

Zimbabwe's new science minister faces a daunting task in rebuilding his country's scientific capacity. He deserves all the help he can get.

Getting science into policymaking is challenging — but a recent workshop for African parliamentary researchers suggested new ways forward.

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

Delay in the implementation of Africa's plan of action for science and technology suggests commitment to act does not yet go deep enough.

A growing consensus on the need for more science and technology in development policies must not be allowed to create excessive expectations.

If Africa is to build a sustainable science and technology infrastructure, it needs more than just enthusiastic promises from heads of state.

Disagreement on how to create collaborative centres of excellence in Africa could weaken the continent's efforts for scientific revival.

Defining an appropriate policy-making role for Africa's scientific community requires a careful balance between 'science push' and 'demand pull'.

Building an effective and accountable way to fund science and technology across Africa is a major challenge facing the region’s leaders and scientific communities. You are invited to join the debate.

Next January, the heads of member states of the African Union will meet to discuss science and technology in what will be a unique opportunity to support the continent's scientific renaissance.

Many African leaders now accept that science and technology have key roles to play in achieving their development goals. The industrialised world must support their efforts to translate this insight into action, says John Mugabe.