SciDev.Net

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

Will UNESCO's likely new head have the vision to deliver much-needed change in the organisation — especially in its science programmes?

A majority of Latin American countries suffer from worthy talk but little stable R&D funding. Long-term strategies should be a priority.

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.

Using science for diplomatic purposes has obvious attractions and several benefits. But there are limits to what it can achieve.

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

Science academies in the developing world must engage with the real world if they want to influence policy.

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

Getting science into policymaking is challenging — but a recent workshop for African parliamentary researchers suggested new ways forward.

The World Wide Web's inventor wants to make websites more trustworthy. This should be done by encouraging good practice, not imposing strict rules.

A new study confirms the valuable role of 'intermediary organisations' in bringing scientific and policy-making communities closer together.

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

The simple communication of key scientific information to the public needs to be improved if sustainable development is to be a realistic goal.

With the death of Arthur C. Clarke, science and rational thought have lost one of their leading promoters.

Last week's award of the Nobel peace prize signals the coming of age of the public communication of science.

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.