SciDev.Net

Science academies in the developing world must engage with the real world if they want to influence policy.

The US election has implications for science and foreign aid policy, and so for the poorest people across the developing world.

Getting science into policymaking is challenging — but a recent workshop for African parliamentary researchers suggested new ways forward.

A commitment to development-oriented innovation should be high on the agenda at the upcoming MDG summit in New York.

A new study confirms the valuable role of 'intermediary organisations' in bringing scientific and policy-making communities closer together.

More efforts are needed to hold the leaders of the G8 nations to commitments made at their annual summit meetings.

Successful efforts to implement effective South–South research collaboration require a better understanding of what works best and why.

An evaluation of Dutch-funded research programmes in developing countries raises questions about the concept of local "ownership".

Washington should use the new wave of optimism for science to drive policy-making rather than to boost political agendas.

Bill and Melinda Gates' forays into aid are to be welcomed, but they can only succeed alongside government involvement.

As this year's president of the G8, Japan has an opportunity to boost international support for science and technology in development.

Developing countries need economic stability and social inclusion to develop — both of which are in jeopardy in Kenya and Pakistan as 2008 dawns.

A commitment to biofuels should be based on a careful assessment of their prospective benefits and costs, not a blind leap of faith.

Delay in the implementation of Africa's plan of action for science and technology suggests commitment to act does not yet go deep enough.

Europe's recent bid to attract more skilled workers underlines developing countries' need for greater – not less – investment in their intellectual capital.

China's efforts to build an innovation-based economy require a less hierarchical approach to organising its research system.

Universities in developing countries should ditch the 'ivory tower' legacy of colonialism and enhance their links with the world outside.

Effective adaptation strategies will require reliable scientific data both on the nature of climate change and on its potential impact.

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.