SciDev.Net

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.

A proposal for a scheme to attract expat scientists back to Vietnam with good salaries and research funding is under discussion.

A scientific organisation in Mexico has signed a document asking that the US$90 million target to science in 2008 be distributed more directly.

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

The presidents of the Mercosur member countries have signed a five-year plan for science, technology and innovation, aiming to add value to regional production.

A new Argentinean law on science and technology will promote regional development and encourage research between young people.

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

Science ministers from the G8 countries have pledged to boost funding for research and development to create a low-carbon economy.

Nepal's new government is planning a 12-fold increase in its science budget, with special focus on biotechnology research.

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.

Zambia looks set to drop mandatory retirement for scientists, with the aim of addressing the country's chronic skills shortage.

Brazil has voted by a narrow margin to uphold legislation for research on embryonic stem cells.

The Chilean president has announced the creation of a new fund to support postgraduate courses.

The Dominican Republic government has launched a strategic science, technology and innovation plan for 2008–2018.

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

A recent report recommends investing in nanotechnology R&D to boost Indian agricultural productivity.

Egypt has approved a Bt maize variety for commercialisation, the first genetically modified crop to gain approval in the country.

The WHO has been urged to make significant changes to the way disease research is financed, to better focus on maladies affecting the poor.