SciDev.Net

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

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.

Developing countries are making good progress on nanotech for clean water, say Paulo Sergio de Paula Herrmann Jr. and José Antônio Brum.

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

Research collaborations with African institutions must be equal, fair and meaningful, says Damtew Teferra.

Africa needs postgraduate programmes that focus on local priorities to improve its health systems, say Wilson Savino and colleagues.

Over 25 years, TWAS has fostered and celebrated science in the South. Jacob Palis looks back — and forward to the challenges ahead.

A regional strategy and a focus on capacity building would strengthen Gulf investments in S&T, say Wael K. Al-Delaimy and Hilal A. Lashuel.

Developing-world scientists should make every effort to pursue careers at home – and their governments should help them, says Mohamed Hassan.

African malaria research networks have helped scientists combat the disease, but they need more stable support and longer-term funding, says Thomas Egwang.

Renewed political commitment means China and India could set the pace for bilateral South–South collaboration, say Purnima Rupal and Dinesh Abrol.

Sustainable governance in the Gulf of Mexico calls for joint action by Cuba, Mexico and the United States, argues Jorge Brenner.

Muslim countries should harness the talents of their huge diaspora and support collaboration between their expatriate and local scientists, says Munir Nayfeh.

The Muslim world need not lag behind in science and technology. Abdalla Alnajjar looks at an initiative that is charting a new approach.

Science and innovation in the countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference are woefully inadequate, but the tide can be turned, says Mohamed H.A. Hassan.

Science and technology are the keys to bringing Africa closer together, says Mohamed H. A. Hassan.

Asian scientists must work together to circumvent political tensions and produce high-quality research, says a Nature editorial.

Nuclear development in the Middle East could prove disastrous if intentions move away from peaceful programmes, says Jalil Roshandel.

More should be done to strengthen ties between formal scientific research and informal grassroots innovations, says Anil Gupta.