This website publishes information on how advances in science and new technologies challenge citizenship and invites debate about issues such as the nature of expertise and processes of public participation. It provides links to working papers and other documents, including original research.

The research programme is part of the Development Research Centre on Citizenship, Participation and Accountability (Citizenship DRC), which is based at the Institute of Development Studies in the UK. Citizenship DRC is made up of a network of researchers, policymakers, practitioners and institutional partners from more than 25 countries.

This group, part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School, United States, conducts research into effective policies for developing and deploying clean, efficient energy technologies. It focuses on energy-technology innovation systems and policies, and how cleaner power can alleviate poverty, based on research in three countries — China, India and the United States — who are the world's biggest energy consumers. The website publishes discussion papers and research into nuclear power, and provides information about ongoing projects, fellowships and events related to energy policy.

The IAS was established in 1986 on the recommendation of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH). IAS's stated mission is to "provide an institutional set up for the utilisation of Science and Technology for the development of Islamic countries and humanity at large".

Headquartered in Amman, Jordan, the IAS attempts to serve as a consultative organisation of OIC member countries on matters relating to science and technology; initiate cooperative scientific and technological programmes and activities in science and technology; encourage and promote research on major problems facing OIC member countries; formulate standards of scientific performance and attainment, and to award prizes and honours for outstanding scientific achievements to centres of excellence in all science and technology disciplines.