Co-hosting the world's largest radio telescope raises South Africa's scientific standing. But it must also help meet the country's social needs.

The shortage of credible and diverse voices in science undermines the capacity of journalists to respond to development challenges.

One year after Egypt's revolution, enthusiasm and prospects for science are high — but still need translation into a fully functioning system.

A Ugandan report suggests that policymakers' interest in science and technology is growing. But they need support to turn it into action.

Millennium Science Initiative funding has produced an impressive range of projects in Uganda. The government is wrong to bring it to an end.

The Horn of Africa drought exposes the continuing gap between our ability to predict disaster and to take effective humanitarian action.

African countries now have a snapshot of their science spending. They should use it to improve policy and address development priorities.

Biosafety is important, but so is ensuring that GM crops benefit the rural poor and that decisions are based on sound science.

There have been notable successes in science for development over the past decade but still insufficient follow-through for key commitments.

Harmonising 'science for development' funding would make science aid more effective, benefiting both donors and recipients.

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.