Opinion in 1997

The Kyoto meeting on climate change was a small triumph for the international community and a benchmark in the process of consensus. But much bigger challenges lie ahead, for scientists and politicians alike.

The Internet has aggravated a problem with youthful interest, but also provides a solution.

Researchers have good reasons to be nervous of proposals that all life science research grant applications to Brussels be scrutinized for their potential implications. But careful handling could produce benefits for all.

Exposure of preprints on servers does not preempt their submission to this journal.

The US National Science Board has drawn necessary and welcome attention to the shortcomings of the White House's procedures for deciding what research to support.

The plan to merge Japan's Science and Technology Agency with the education ministry is fraught with pitfalls but offers some opportunities.

It is time for France's National Assembly to flex atrophied nuclear muscles.

An agreement between the United States and developing countries, brokered by Japan, could ensure a successful outcome for the forthcoming conference of the United Nations climate convention at Kyoto.

The UK government will soon reveal its thinking about universities. There are critical challenges in science to be tackled by researchers, funders and advocates acting more coherently within disciplinary contexts.

Governments need to do more to curb pollution of astronomically essential radio bands.

The Senate's approach to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty will show whether the United States is ready to lead a world emerging from the deceptive simplicities of the Cold War.

After years of failed reforms, the time is ripe for the French government to loosen rigidities within academic institutions and the CNRS. Top of the list are the terms of employment of young researchers.

Japan's higher education institutions cannot carry on business as usual.

Although it may well be the only country in Europe to increase research spending next year, Spain still faces the loss of outstanding researchers. Both the government and universities need to make difficult choices.

Despite cultural differences, countries face common challenges in confronting new biomedical advances.

An imaginative attempt to tap Asian resources for the benefit of the developing world deserves more support.

Radical developments in biology often appear to represent new conflicts with moral principles. Such perceptions are frequently misconceived, but independent consideration of ethical implications is beneficial.

The success or failure of global climate negotiations rests on the shoulders of Bill Clinton, who can enhance his stature by holding his nerve in the face of industry's scare-mongering.

The publication of apparently conclusive evidence linking BSE in cattle to CJD in humans strengthens the case for a full review of how the BSE issue was handled. Britain would not be the only beneficiary.

The Czech government should not miss an opportunity to give its scientists a needed shot in the arm.