Scientific education, knowledge and research are crucial to solving development challenges.
Science as a tool for providing evidence and discovering solutions has been neglected recently by many key decision makers, 'Science and Innovation for Development' aims to play a part in changing that.
The book considers:
- Why science is important, how it works and how technologies can be sourced and partnerships formed.
- The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - reducing hunger, improving health and protecting the environment.
- The impact of climate change and other future threats and how science can contribute to building sustainability and resilience.
- How to get advances in research and development to where they are most needed.
"Science and Innovation for Development is the most important book on development since Fritz Schumacher's
1973 classic book, Small is Beautiful. It will silence the critics of the role of technology in development and
embolden its champions."
Calestous Juma, Professor of the Practice of International Development, Belfer Center for Science and
International Affairs, Harvard University.
"This book is well timed. After years of neglect agricultural R&D is back on the agenda of development agencies, funders and governments. Through real life examples, case studies and success stories this book clearly demonstrates agriculture's vital role in hunger and poverty reduction. Everyone concerned with international development should take time to read it."
Jonathan Wadsworth, Senior Agriculture Research Adviser, Department for International Development.
"Science innovation and its resulting technologies are critical to solving the major health challenges of developing countries today. This book comes at a critical time, and highlights real advances being made in diagnostics, medications and vaccines which have the potential to greatly improve the lives of millions."
Peter Piot, Director, Institute for Global Health, Imperial College.
"This very readable book reinvigorates the arguments for why science matters for spurring development and tackling
the big challenges we face. Intelligent science has so much to offer, yet has been neglected for too long - whether it is building on local knowledge or bringing the best high-tech answers to address health, food and environment."
Camilla Toulmin, Director, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
"The authors clearly demonstrate how science can ensure that innovation is relevant, effective and efficient in
resolving many of the world's development needs. This is particularly important as the challenges grow both more
complex and more pressing with population growth and movement, climate change and economic volatility."
John Mumford, Director, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College.
"This book should be required reading for those who doubt the power of science to transform the lives of the poorest
in the world, and show those undertaking research how much of a difference they can make if they address the
major questions of developing countries."
Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department for International Development.
