Officials with USAID - the U.S. Agency for International Development - recently gathered many of the world's leading scientists and development thinkers, along with leaders of key federal science agencies, to help map out a new Science, Technology and Innovation strategy. More than 60 experts from around the world spent two days discussing issues and how technology might provide solutions.

One of the specific goals will be bridging the divide between the interests of the public and private sectors.

The conference was the first step in helping USAID to identify what agency leaders call "grand challenges" and explore how science, technology, and innovation can be used to solve them.

USAID officials have now appointed the first science advisor the Agency has had in 19 years as well as established a new dedicated Science and Technology office.