SciDev.Net

Three Nature articles display mixed feelings about the success of Pakistan's higher education reforms.

Following its higher education reforms, Pakistan's success in creating a research culture is still uncertain, say Athar Osama and colleagues.

South Africa's new science minister will help boost science for development, says an editorial in the South African Journal of Science.

As Madagascar's political unrest continues, Linda Nordling asks what long-term effects it will have on the island's scientists.

Donors should fund the facilities needed to improve the conditions for research, as well as funding individual studies, says Berit Olsson.

African governments must invest in science training — but they don't have to go it alone, says Arlen Hastings.

Higher education in developing countries needs innovation infrastructure if it is to boost development, says Arnoldo Ventura.

When funders focus on market-driven and applied science they hinder basic scientific enquiry in developing countries, says Lemuel V. Cacho.

Short-term income-generating research can erode university capacity — the foundation for long-term economic growth, says Phuong Nga Nguyen.

Our obsession with top-rated universities is denying us a 'world-class' global higher education system, says Ellen Hazelkorn.

India should be inspiring science and technology graduates to stay in the sector, rather than building new institutions, says Anant Kamath.

Africa needs better universities, but is a pan-African university the way to go, asks Linda Nordling.

Research collaborations with African institutions must be equal, fair and meaningful, says Damtew Teferra.

A row between two senior scientists in China highlights the need for clearer guidelines on decision-making, says an editorial in Nature.

Academic partnerships bring knowledge and drive economic growth, but success depends on good communications that build trust, says Tim Gore.

Neglect of science and technology in African universities has been compounded by a failure to focus research on the continent's needs, says Mammo Muchie.

Kenya should establish a nanotechnology curriculum to get ahead of the game, say Macharia Waruingi and Jean Njoroge.

Calestous Juma argues that G8 countries should support provision of cheap, fast Internet access in Africa — particularly to universities.

South Africa's rating system for researchers belongs to the past, but its administrators are reluctant to change, says Michael Cherry.

Developing-world scientists should make every effort to pursue careers at home – and their governments should help them, says Mohamed Hassan.