What kind of science is being used by our political leaders and law makers when they assess things like environmental impact? How could the seemingly disparate worlds of science and the law be better integrated? Judith Jones, a senior lecturer in law from the ANU College of Law surveys the scene.

It is disappointing to see lost opportunities in the budget to progress the agenda on prevention and primary healthcare reform, believes Lesley Russell.

A study has found that the ability to use technology and innovate is vital for younger Australians, though it is not a large part of the Australian cirriculum.

Despite its encouragement for long-term policy thinking in the recent 2020 Summit, the new Labor Government has not revealed its law reform priorities regarding intellectual property, writes Matthew Rimmer.

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 first humans to arrive at New Zealand may have come 1000 years later than previously thought, according to a team of researchers.

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.