SciDev.Net

New figures on research spending show that the gap between rich and poor countries is closing — but not fast enough.

Will UNESCO's likely new head have the vision to deliver much-needed change in the organisation — especially in its science programmes?

A majority of Latin American countries suffer from worthy talk but little stable R&D funding. Long-term strategies should be a priority.

Journalists and scientists must guard against policymakers using science to legitimise pre-chosen and politically-motivated policies.

Academics have long argued for developing countries to adopt "systems of innovation". Now it looks like politicians have got the message.

Using science for diplomatic purposes has obvious attractions and several benefits. But there are limits to what it can achieve.

An influential lecture on the cultural significance of science remains as relevant today as when it was delivered 50 years ago.

India's general election is becoming a lost opportunity to set out a science policy for development.

More agricultural research funding and a farmer-centred approach to boosting food production are needed to prevent future food emergencies.

This week's G20 summit in London must ensure that any solution to the global financial crisis also commits to sustainable economic growth.

A meeting in Berlin brought unequal health research partnerships into the open — but will its framework kick-start progress or gather dust?

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

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.

Patents on scientific knowledge may not be as useful — or valuable — as many claim them to be.

Science can help developing countries facing commodity-price and climate turmoil: the biggest challenge is how to ensure it does.

The Indian Institute of Science is a shining example of how a developing country can do basic science, but it needs to link its research more to social needs.

We must clarify the 'human right' to science — and remind governments of their contractual obligation to uphold it.

Science academies in the developing world must engage with the real world if they want to influence policy.

The US election has implications for science and foreign aid policy, and so for the poorest people across the developing world.