SciDev.Net

After 2006's commitment to one per cent GDP spending on science, is Africa keeping up, falling behind or investing, asks Linda Nordling.

Three Nature articles display mixed feelings about the success of Pakistan's higher education reforms.

CGIAR reforms take research decisions too far away, says Hartmann, director-general of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Aid agencies, under pressure to prove their worth, should seize the opportunity to make spending more accountable, says Linda Nordling.

Establishing an effective science–policy interface is key to combating biodiversity loss, say Harold Mooney and Georgina Mace.

Encouraging cooperation and aligning interests is key to dealing with global challenges, say Brian Walker and colleagues.

The United States should boost funding for food, health and water, says Thomas R. Pickering, former US ambassador to the UN.

Should African governments be following the trend in appointing chief scientific advisors, asks Linda Nordling.

Venezuelan science is falling foul of the government's agenda warns Claudio Bifano, president of the country's science academy.

Essential field trials of GM trees are being hindered by anti-GM activists working through the Convention on Biological Diversity, say Steven H. Strauss and colleagues.

A layered and cooperative approach would help Southern African countries harmonise their biosafety laws, says Julius Mugwagwa.

Science and technology minister Professor Romain Murenzi says science and technology will be at the heart of Rwanda's development strategies.

South Africa's new science minister will help boost science for development, says an editorial in the South African Journal of Science.

Compulsory licensing of clean technologies will only be needed if developed countries duck UNFCCC obligations, says Dalindyebo Shabalala.

As African science ministers prepare to meet in Burundi, Linda Nordling asks what has happened to the idea of a pan-African science fund.

Regional clinical research networks provide timely evidence to help emerging health policy. They deserve more support, says Jimmy Whitworth.

Sustainably developing drylands means balancing local knowledge, science and conflicting demands, says Elena María Abraham.

As Madagascar's political unrest continues, Linda Nordling asks what long-term effects it will have on the island's scientists.

Kenyans must use patents to protect their innovations and use local know-how to speed up discoveries, says a Business Daily Africa editorial.

With plans for an East African Federation creaking at the seams, is a common science vision for the region unrealistic, asks Linda Nordling.