Scientists from around the world are working to establish national science academies in developing countries. They hope to advance scientific excellence, stop talent from leaving their home countries, and help solve global and regional crises. “Science academies can provide leadership in the development and application of science and technology, both within individual countries and internationally,” says Michael Clegg, foreign secretary at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington, DC. But, he adds, major challenges lie ahead, such as maximizing science academies’ effectiveness. Some scientists argue that science academies can only be effective if they are independent from government control, whereas others claim the opposite.
No one, however, disputes that scientists should have a voice in influencing government policy. Says Alexander Animalu, past president of the Nigerian Academy of Science and chairman of the Institute for Basic Research in Abuja, Nigeria, “Given Nigeria’s bloated foreign debt, high rate of inflation,...
