From kidnap alerts to solar lighting, some NGOs find the high-tech answers they need. Andrew Williams and Imogen Mathers explain how.

Budgetary constraints and political apathy have resulted in poor science communication in India, says Archita Bhatta.

As the annual Indian Science Congress marks its centenary this month (3–7 January) the relevance of its present 'inclusive' form is being questioned, reports Archita Bhatta.

Research collaborations between Europe and South-East Asia are increasing, but critics say regional initiatives must start producing practical outcomes.

SciDev.Net talks to ASSAf's Roseanne Diab about the role of science academies in climate change awareness and risk reduction.

With the growth of online science networks, geography and economics no longer dictate how research is undertaken or published, finds Smriti Mallapaty.

Science academies across South Asia and Africa are advocating for better science education and gender equity, reports T. V. Padma.

Science journalism in Africa is making remarkable progress, with widespread improvements in the quality and quantity of science in the media, reports Esther Nakkazi.

Making access to science a human right is a worthy goal, but how can it be enshrined? And will it really deliver? Jan Piotrowski investigates.

Innovations in relief technologies are vital in the world's complex conflict zones. But there are barriers to overcome, writes Imogen Mathers.

Odenildo Sena discusses Brazilian science policy and shares his views on the main challenges for pushing science in the Amazon region.

How will science and technology fare at the Rio+20 summit? Aisling Irwin looks at scientists' demands and assesses their chances.

Adrian Smith and colleagues explore grassroots innovations, their potential for development and challenges facing practitioners.

SciDev.Net speaks to Vaughan Turekian, editor-in-chief of the AAAS's new quarterly publication, Science & Diplomacy, which launched this week.

Can a new network of African energy researchers lead the way on solar power for the continent? Christine Ottery finds out.

Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan talks to SciDev.Net about hopes for science in the Middle East, science diplomacy and the role of women scientists.

Crowdsourced environmental data can be useful, for example in measuring black carbon emissions, but concerns remain about quality, says Yojana Sharma.

SciDev.Net speaks to UNESCO's Gretchen Kalonji about how a new panel of experts is breathing fresh life into the organisation's science plans.

A move to give African scientists recycled lab equipment has created an opportunity for networking and collaboration, says Vijaysree Venkatraman.