As predicted, science and Africa featured only marginally in the G8 discussions in Italy held on 8-10 July. But at least in two key research areas, agriculture and health, world leaders agreed to make some progress.

In a US$20 billion package for global food security, the G8 nations agreed to work with national governments and regional organisations to strengthen agricultural research systems, increase investment and access to scientific knowledge and technology. They also said they would “strengthen” the role of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) – an international alliance of agricultural research bodies. But no figures were put on the level of investment for agricultural research, and nor did the G8 nations set out how they would strengthen it.

World leaders also agreed to “address substantial gaps in knowledge” in the management and delivery of healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proposals include the development of networks of researchers and establishing a consortium of interdisciplinary centres of health and innovation. Again, world leaders failed to set out how much funding they would contribute to such initiatives, but they say, “as a first step” a planning meeting will be convened later this year to establish a roadmap to develop the consortium.