SciDev.Net

The most recent SciDev.Net user survey offers valuable insights into how well we are meeting your needs.

Journalists and scientists must guard against policymakers using science to legitimise pre-chosen and politically-motivated policies.

Science journalists should aim to be "informed critics" of science, supporting its values but wary of backing everything said in its name.

A survey of our contributors suggests improvements, but has also highlighted the challenges of science reporting in developing countries.

The media can help in the global fight against disease, both as a watchdog for poor practices, and a champion for successful research.

The Myanmar cyclone and Chinese earthquake highlight the need for effective dissemination of information, both before and after a disaster.

The success of a recent SciDev.Net meeting on science journalism in Bolivia reflects growing recognition for the field in Latin America.

Almost unnoticed, Nepal is developing simple and cheap technologies that make the best of local resources and don't damage the environment.

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.

Building public support for genetically modified crops in sub-Saharan Africa means developing a homegrown solution to the region's own needs.

All members of the media must work together to ensure sustainable development is given the attention it deserves.

The work of science journalists needs greater recognition as an essential precondition for transparent, responsive and accountable government.

Journalists have a key role to play in informing the public about tuberculosis and bringing key issues to the attention of policymakers.

The media must be involved in African preparations for a possible bird flu outbreak.

Five years after its launch, SciDev.Net is proud of its achievements. But it is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

The new head of the World Health Organization, Margaret Chan, must balance both political and scientific pressures if she is to succeed at improving global health efforts.

Journalists in China — as elsewhere — have an important function to play in reporting on how science and technology affects people's lives.

The research community's failure in the past 25 years to develop either a vaccine or a cure for HIV/AIDS underlines the need to be more, not less, scientific.

The only way for Africa to combat bird flu successfully is through an effective communication strategy that enables the public to prepare both for outbreaks in their poultry stocks and for a possible human pandemic.