SciDev.Net
Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Search Archive
Key Documents archive results 1-8 of 8 in Science & Innovation Policy and African science policy
Climate change: A call to action for African leaders
This policy brief, prepared by the Africa Progress Panel, African Development Bank and UN, outlines the implications of climate change for Africa, emphasising the need for a strong and cohesive negotiating position at the December 2009 climate talks in Copenhagen. The authors argue that African...
KEY DOCUMENT | EN
African higher education development and the international community
This paper from the Association of Commonwealth Universities outlines the commitments and activities made by major international partners -- specifically the G8 countries -- to developing African higher education between 2000 and 2004. Projects are analysed by topic -- from human resources...
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: June 2005 | EN
A comparison of the cost of research in South Africa's public research and higher education institutions
This paper examines the relative costs of research in South Africa and the apparent disparity in researchers' salaries. A 2004-2005 research and development survey provides data on the unit cost of research across higher education institutions (HEIs), science councils and the business sector....
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: December 2008 | EN
A world of science in the developing world
This collection of features and commentaries, published by Nature, reflects the broad spectrum of activities and opinions of members and associates of TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world. With more than three dozen articles written by prominent scientists working on research...
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: October 2008 | EN
Towards the establishment of a vibrant South African biotechnology industry: will the recent policy interventions achieve their objectives?
This research article, by Rosemary Wolson at the University of Cape Town, assesses South Africa's biotechnology policies, reviewing three major initiatives -- the national research and development strategy, biotechnology strategy and proposed laws to govern intellectual property rights derived from...
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: 2005 | EN
Freedom to innovate: biotechnology in Africa's development
This draft report of the High-Level African Panel on Modern Biotechnology recommends that African governments prioritise biotechnology as a tool to promote development and integration. The panel advises African leaders on developments in biotechnology, capacity building needs, and measures for...
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: July 2006 | EN
Major heretofore intractable biotic constraints to African food security that may be amenable to novel biotechnological solutions
This research article assesses the potential for biotechnological approaches to overcome major pests, diseases and weeds undermining food security in Africa. The eight authors review three major constraints -- parasitic weeds and herbicide-resistant grasses, insect pests, including those carrying...
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: 2004 | EN
African model law on safety in biotechnology
The African Union (AU) developed the African Model Law on Safety in Biotechnology to help countries across the continent fulfil their obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and manage related issues. The AU encourages the development of a common position on biosafety regulation...
KEY DOCUMENT | Publication date: April 2001 | EN
