IDRC is helping to ensure a wide diversity of voices, particularly from developing countries, at the Fifth International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD2012). Through a peer mentorship program, IDRC's Information and Networks (I&N) program is helping more than 50 scholars from across the world develop their own research articles, attend the conference, and participate in a half-day workshop. This support aims both to enhance the capacity of Southern scholars to undertake ICTD research and peer‐review publishing, and to extend the reach and impact of this scholarship.

Also taking part in the conference, to be held March 12-15 in Atlanta, Georgia, will be grantees from a number of I&N funded projects, including Strengthening Information Society Research Capacity Alliance and Impact of Public Access to ICTs.

ICTD is the world’s premier conference examining the role of computers and communications in social, economic, and political development. The 2012 conference is expected to attract more than 500 leading scholars and practitioners working at the intersections of information technologies and global development.

Photo (bottom): Max Froumentin 
A view of ICTD2010