SciDev.Net

The role of intermediaries between scientists and policymakers in boosting science communication has been endorsed by an international survey.

South Africa is set to approve a change to its medicines approval process that opponents fear will circumvent evidence-based evaluation.

The Philippine government has boosted its science and technology budget from US$16.4 million in 2007 to US$26.6 million.

A Mexican tax exemption scheme, designed for companies investing in R&D has met with criticism for benefitting nonscientific companies.

The Uganda National Academy of Science will trial a new pairing scheme where scientists shadow MPs and vice versa.

Genomic medicine in developing countries needs government support and protection of 'genomic sovereignty', says researchers.

China has launched an intellectual property strategy to encourage innovation and increase the number of patents held by Chinese citizens.

Pakistan's new government has boosted science spending by almost three per cent, but the increase will be negated by high inflation.

The Cape Town High Court has banned two doctors from conducting unauthorised trials of vitamins they claim cure HIV/AIDS.

Following the UN biodiversity conference, countries have agreed a roadmap to negotiate the access and sharing of genetic resources.

The Indian government has been accused of misleading the international community over its biosafety framework, but denies the allegations.

The African Union's new commissioner has placed education at the top of his agenda for advancing science and technology on the continent.

The UK government has launched a new strategy to help developing countries apply technology to the needs of the poor.

Kenya has created a new ministry that will bring together scientists and university researchers — and appointed a new minister to run it.

Global "scientific apartheid" is a real possibility unless research and technology is harnessed to better benefit the poor, says an expert.

Uganda has approved its first National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy, for promotion and regulation of biotechnology use.

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference has increased support for its science committee, with higher status and mandatory donations from member countries.

A draft bill that will enable Indian researchers to generate patents from their work is creating debate among the country's scientists.

Mexico has published guidelines for the approval of genetically modified organisms under its biosafety law.

Civil servants at Nigeria's Ministry of Health are being investigated following accusations over misused health funds.