Science Literacy, as a field of research, is now well established and it has a myriad of definitions. Here is one that gives a flavour of the immense importance of SL - "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity” (USA National Center for Education Statistics). Indeed, long books have been written on the subject, but mostly as it pertains to what we call a western, educated culture (Science matters: Achieving Science Literacy by Robert Hazen and James Trefil, 2009).

The report of our first survey of SL assembled and provided a preliminary assessment of SL initiatives that were or had the potential to bear fruit in the areas of most need in the developing world - issues most immediate to survival and life including water and sanitation, maternal and child health, education and food security. It focused on practical and innovative activities that could be replicated or broadened across cultures and countries and provided several case studies. The research was undertaken by Network for Information and Digital Access (http://nida-net.org/en/activities/connectwithscience/science-literacy/landscape-study -science-literacy) and co-funded by HWDI.

Phase 1 - NIDA and EEF have been undertaking in-depth research into recent SL projects and their impact worldwide. The many different types of interventions and their effectiveness will be the subject of the initial report. Phase 2 - HWDI will be collaborating with both NIDA and EEF in up to 6 documented field trials of promising SL models, focusing on efficacy. in conjunction with country partners. Phase 3 - We will bring all the research and practical experiences together in a comparative report addressing the impact of various SL delivery methods, providing useful conclusions regarding overall value and potential. The team believes that it is most important that all the information is feely available with online tool and references.