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Science & innovation policy

Editorials

Here is a list of the latest articles

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Time to turn words into deeds on health research

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

27 June 2008 | EN

southsouth2cropped_US National Oceanic and Atmopsheric Administration

Research collaboration: the case for better understanding

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

14 May 2008 | EN | ES | 中文

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Reforming the approach to 'demand-driven' research

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

7 March 2008 | EN

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US election prospects raise hopes for science

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

22 February 2008 | EN | ES | 中文

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Gates Foundation can't go it alone

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

7 February 2008 | EN | FR

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Can Japan take the 'science for development' baton?

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

18 January 2008 | EN

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Science for development needs stable base in 2008

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

3 January 2008 | EN

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Biofuels: Let's look before we leap

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

6 December 2007 | EN | ES | FR

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Now it's up to Africa

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

29 November 2007 | EN | FR

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Technology alone will not solve energy crisis

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

16 November 2007 | EN | ES

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Turning the brain drain from threat to opportunity

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

2 November 2007 | EN | ES | FR

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China needs to encourage 'bottom-up' innovation

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

12 October 2007 | EN | 中文

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Equipping universities to join the war against poverty

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

28 September 2007 | EN | ES

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Simple and cheap: Nepal's application of science

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

16 August 2007 | EN

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Africa needs better data to combat global warming

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

1 August 2007 | EN

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China must trust its people — and its media

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

19 July 2007 | EN

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Scientific literacy for parliaments: an essential tool

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

6 July 2007 | EN | ES

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G8 needs more 'joined-up' thinking on science

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.

1 June 2007 | EN | ES

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World Bank must show political independence

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

18 May 2007 | EN

Nigeria's president-elect, Umaru Yar'Adua

Science needs effective democracy to thrive

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

2 May 2007 | EN