With higher education returning to the aid agenda, SciDev.Net examines the successes, challenges and lessons to be learnt.

Sian Lewis charts the ups and downs in donor funding for higher education in developing countries over the last half century.

Fostering a research culture has put Uganda's Makerere University back on its feet and is inspiring others, says Peter Wamboga-Mugirya.

Donors should fund the facilities needed to improve the conditions for research, as well as funding individual studies, says Berit Olsson.

African governments must invest in science training — but they don't have to go it alone, says Arlen Hastings.

Higher education in developing countries needs innovation infrastructure if it is to boost development, says Arnoldo Ventura.

When funders focus on market-driven and applied science they hinder basic scientific enquiry in developing countries, says Lemuel V. Cacho.

Short-term income-generating research can erode university capacity — the foundation for long-term economic growth, says Phuong Nga Nguyen.

Our obsession with top-rated universities is denying us a 'world-class' global higher education system, says Ellen Hazelkorn.

Sending students abroad and inviting in foreign institutions are both effective methods for boosting developing world higher education.