SciDev.Net

African ministers have committed themselves to a set of actions to boost health research in their countries. Now they must implement them.

Successful efforts to implement effective South–South research collaboration require a better understanding of what works best and why.

An evaluation of Dutch-funded research programmes in developing countries raises questions about the concept of local "ownership".

Washington should use the new wave of optimism for science to drive policy-making rather than to boost political agendas.

Bill and Melinda Gates' forays into aid are to be welcomed, but they can only succeed alongside government involvement.

As this year's president of the G8, Japan has an opportunity to boost international support for science and technology in development.

Developing countries need economic stability and social inclusion to develop — both of which are in jeopardy in Kenya and Pakistan as 2008 dawns.

A commitment to biofuels should be based on a careful assessment of their prospective benefits and costs, not a blind leap of faith.

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

The world must not miss its second chance to take a radically different approach to energy consumption.

Europe's recent bid to attract more skilled workers underlines developing countries' need for greater – not less – investment in their intellectual capital.

China's efforts to build an innovation-based economy require a less hierarchical approach to organising its research system.

Universities in developing countries should ditch the 'ivory tower' legacy of colonialism and enhance their links with the world outside.

Almost unnoticed, Nepal is developing simple and cheap technologies that make the best of local resources and don't damage the environment.

Effective adaptation strategies will require reliable scientific data both on the nature of climate change and on its potential impact.

China needs to put its faith in its people, regional government and media if it wants to achieve government transparency.

Improving scientific literacy in developing countries' parliaments would boost sustainable development.

At its global summit next week the G8 needs to build on the work of its predecessors, putting science and technology back at the heart of the international aid agenda.

The row over the World Bank president's behaviour reinforces the need to safeguard its lending policies from ideological pressure.

Last month's presidential elections in Nigeria have cast a shadow over the country's efforts to promote science and technology.