African countries now have a snapshot of their science spending. They should use it to improve policy and address development priorities.

An OECD report outlines good practice for effective international research collaboration — but success can never be guaranteed.

Science cannot resolve political conflict. But scientific cooperation can have a key role in maximising post-conflict opportunities.

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.

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 interest in Brazil's ethanol programme should be used to set up fairer partnerships between developing and developed countries.

If Africa is to build a sustainable science and technology infrastructure, it needs more than just enthusiastic promises from heads of state.

Building an effective and accountable way to fund science and technology across Africa is a major challenge facing the region’s leaders and scientific communities. You are invited to join the debate.

Next January, the heads of member states of the African Union will meet to discuss science and technology in what will be a unique opportunity to support the continent's scientific renaissance.

At the heart of the devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunamis lies a failure to communicate scientific information adequately to either decision-makers or the community. Important lessons are to be learnt about the need for professional skills.