As academics, scientists and artists from around the world meet this November in Bellagio, Italy, to discuss science for development, SciDev.Net has taken the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing issues around the world. Each week we will take an in-depth look at a topic that requires urgent solutions - climate and energy, food security and agriculture, big data, and health systems. We will reach out to people across disciplines to get their insights and suggestions through Q&A interviews and a weekly debate. Each week will end with a feature article drawing together the best of the insights and ideas we have gathered.