Australia could be missing out on developing life-saving drugs, because scientists are struggling to secure funding, reports Tony Malkovic.

Collaborative research ventures don’t always need a centre to be excellent, according to Jeff Major.

During the worst international food crisis in half a century, Australia's national science agency, the CSIRO, has decided to cut agricultural research, writes Julian Cribb.

Observations show disturbing signs that the Earth’s response to our activities is happening faster than expected, writes Geoff Davies.

The UN food summit closed with a strong statement on agriculture, but failed to adequately address several other key areas, such as implementation of the ideas, argues Joachim von Braun.

In response to Kevin Rudd's vision of sustainable production, the CSIRO is closing laboratories that could be vital to the future of Australian agriculture, writes Jac Considine.

Many scientists have a similar story about what inspired them to devote their lives to science - a great teacher or a fascinating school experience. But are children today receiving the same opportunities, or will they never know what they're missing out on, questions Lyn Beazley?

The good cause - one that most of us support - can all too readily corrupt the conduct of science, argues Aynsley Kellow.

The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge has pointed us in the right direction to radically change the way we grow food to better serve the poor and hungry, now we must to take action to carry out its initiatives, writes Professor Stuart Hill.

If genetically modified crops escape or behave in an unexpected way, they can cause damage to plants and biodiversity, writes Duncan Currie.

Science Minister Kim Carr wants “charters” that oblige scientists to engage openly in debates on science-based issues, but implementing this worthy aim is not straightforward and protecting it requires funding and formal provisions, writes Dr Joan Leach.

If Peter Garrett went into politics to make a difference (and one assumes that he did) the Traveston Dam will be a crucial test of his determination, believes Jenny Stewart.

It was a case of give and take for science, research and innovation in the Rudd Government’s first budget, reports Denice Rice.

To fight climate change, environmental necessity must trump political convenience, argues Bo Ekman.

An ice age is definitely not going to occur in the 21st century, instead global average temperatures will continue to increase, argues David Karoly.