Collective scientific efforts needed to combat climate change: PM Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has stressed the need to strengthen the scientific collaborations among the developing countries. Inaugurating the 21st general meeting of the Academy of Sciences for Developing Countries in Hyderabad a short while ago, the Prime Minister has said institutional frame work in science and technology in these countries should be strengthened. Stating that the developing and under developed nations are facing similar challenges particularly in combating tropical diseases, transforming traditional agriculture and tackling natural disasters, the Prime Minister underlined the need for development scientific knowledge that is relevant to the needs of developing world. Stating that the Development model followed by Industrial countries has threatened the environment, he said more sustainable way should be found for developing societies without injuring environment. Stating that India has been advocating the South-South cooperation on challenges facing developing countries, he said initiatives for such collaborations should be expanded and the investment in scientific infrastructure should be stepped up. On the occasion, the Prime minister has given away the prestigious Ernesto Illy Trieste Science prize for this year to Brazilian scientist Goldenburg and India Science Prize to eminent statistician Dr C R Rao. He gave away prizes and Medals to 12 scientists in 8 fields of sciences. Apart from a ministerial roundtable on scientific collaboration with Africa, deliberations of the TWAS will include state of Science in India , agriculture, Food security and affects of climate change. About 350 scientists from 60 countries are taking part in the 4-day conference.