Development needs collective local action. More science and technical advisors should be supporting that, says research officer Harry Jones.

Funding agencies should support closer interaction between development NGOs and scientists, argues research and policy analyst Charlie McLaren.

The Islamic world's current science effort is on life support and without major 'surgery' could be yet another policy failure, says Athar Osama.

Results-based carbon financing shows the way forward for involving the private sector in development, says ClimateCare's Edward Hanrahan.

International bodies are offering true research opportunities, but African funding is needed to prepare the ground, writes Linda Nordling.

Funding for programmes that target major diseases should be matched by investment in the health systems that underpin them, says Ghana's Irene Akua Agyepong.

Companies have much to offer when it comes to helping female entrepreneurs in developing countries access markets, says Henrietta Miers.

Many developing nations could see dramatic development if they funded research infrastructure, argues David Dickson.

The Red-Dead canal could take a small step forward in light of projected environmental impacts and other constraints, says Batir Wardam.

By measuring the right things, health providers can improve HIV response and save lives, says Stefano Bertozzi of the Gates Foundation.

Starting by redefining success, machines that vend clean water at low cost can solve India's drinking water problem, says entrepreneur Anand Shah.

Africa's next big science investment should target its oceans, but funding and political support need to be sustained, writes Linda Nordling.

In addition to programmes for training abroad, Latin America needs measures and organisations for the promotion of science, writes Carla Almeida.

Entrepreneurial initiatives to provide vital jobs must adjust to the tough enterprise environment or risk underperforming, says Athar Osama.

Donors must work with African countries to provide crucial science infrastructure, argues S&T policy scholar Nicholas Michael Bashour.

A six-country assessment shows how women's inclusion in science should be supported, write gender experts Sophia Huyer and Nancy Hafkin.

Developing countries deserve more support for their efforts to prioritise climate change in development, writes climate expert Simon Anderson.

The US development agency looks set to build on its 'development science' efforts during Barack Obama's second term, writes David Dickson.

Cuba's early warning approach holds lessons for other countries, write disaster risk reduction specialists Veronica F. Grasso and José Rubiera.