How scientific knowledge is presented in public debate, by scientists or journalists, has a big influence on its impact, says David Dickson.

Critical debate is needed to resolve science-Islam divisions and ensure that knowledge flourishes in the Muslim world, says Athar Osama.

As the Obama administration begins a second term, USAID's Alex Dehgan describes how the agency will build on its science-for-development agenda.

A successful model for making more out of physics for development is ready to roll out to others, writes Dipali Bhatt-Chauhan.

Kenya has bypassed its own biosafety watchdog in banning GM foods, which will stifle balanced debate of GM in Africa, says Linda Nordling.

Despite some success in science, Pakistan underachieves because it lacks structures for commercial innovation, says Athar Osama.

The renaming of TWAS reflects changes in global science. But its original priorities must be maintained, says David Dickson.

Pakistan's 'open access instrumentation' initiative can be replicated in other developing countries, opines Atta-ur-Rahman.

Earthquake science was not on trial in Italy — it was about inadequate information and participation in decision-making, says Carina Fearnley.

Poor translations undermine efforts to promote science in Arab countries, says science translator and lecturer Ehab Abdelrahim Ali.

The Magsaysay Awards hold an important lesson — science must get out of the lab and into people's hands, writes Crispin Maslog.

Evidence of impact shows that libraries can be local hubs for community development, says communication specialist Jean Fairbairn.

New research on public attitudes to science yields clues to communicating more effectively, says AAAS executive Alan Leshner.

To support science development in Ibero-America, improvements in science teaching at schools ‘is a must’, says Carmelo Polino.

Indonesia has a poor track record in funding R&D, stifling biomedical progress. Priya Shetty joins a call for funding reform.

To make science truly useful to development, we need a new, inclusive system of tracking publications, says S&T policy expert Caroline Wagner.

Islamic countries need to shake up their scientific establishments to commercialise technology and promote innovation, says Athar Osama.

Fruitful dialogue in Africa shows the gap between climate scientists and decision makers can be bridged, says adaptation specialist Arame Tall.

Stunning fundraising success at Stellenbosch University is a model for others in Africa, but leadership is crucial, says Linda Nordling.