SciDev.Net

The Myanmar cyclone and Chinese earthquake highlight the need for effective dissemination of information, both before and after a disaster.

The success of a recent SciDev.Net meeting on science journalism in Bolivia reflects growing recognition for the field in Latin America.

Almost unnoticed, Nepal is developing simple and cheap technologies that make the best of local resources and don't damage the environment.

China needs to put its faith in its people, regional government and media if it wants to achieve government transparency.

Improving scientific literacy in developing countries' parliaments would boost sustainable development.

Building public support for genetically modified crops in sub-Saharan Africa means developing a homegrown solution to the region's own needs.

All members of the media must work together to ensure sustainable development is given the attention it deserves.

The work of science journalists needs greater recognition as an essential precondition for transparent, responsive and accountable government.

Journalists have a key role to play in informing the public about tuberculosis and bringing key issues to the attention of policymakers.

The media must be involved in African preparations for a possible bird flu outbreak.

Five years after its launch, SciDev.Net is proud of its achievements. But it is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

The new head of the World Health Organization, Margaret Chan, must balance both political and scientific pressures if she is to succeed at improving global health efforts.

Journalists in China — as elsewhere — have an important function to play in reporting on how science and technology affects people's lives.

The research community's failure in the past 25 years to develop either a vaccine or a cure for HIV/AIDS underlines the need to be more, not less, scientific.

The only way for Africa to combat bird flu successfully is through an effective communication strategy that enables the public to prepare both for outbreaks in their poultry stocks and for a possible human pandemic.

Although research on malaria needs greater support, the fight against the disease will not be won in the laboratory but with tools in the field, many of which already exist. Improved techniques are needed to communicate this reality to decision-makers.

As prospects grow of a global flu pandemic, it is important for governments to recognise that responsible science journalism can play a significant role in limiting its impact.

Nalaka Gunawardene argues that better communication is needed to convey the urgency of the Millennium Development Goals — and the role of science in achieving them — to the public.

A democratic dialogue over science-related issues is critical for modern societies. But providing reliable information in an accessible way is an essential prerequisite for this to occur.

The success of last week's World Conference of Science Journalists augurs well for the profession's future. But to maintain its independence, it must avoid becoming an extension of the public relations industry.