Meeting global challenges requires breakthroughs from the entire global scientific community and not just from a selected set of industrialized countries. Unfortunately, the potential of many scientists in developing countries is not being efficiently harnessed because these scientists lack the capacity to advance research in their own labs. Furthermore, without adequate research programs, educational institutions cannot prepare the next generation of scientists. Building sufficient scientific capacity in developing countries must include strengthening the laboratory infrastructure at educational institutions, establishing strong training programs for scientists, and facilitating communication with the broader global research community. This symposium will address these issues through talks that discuss specific needs, propose innovative solutions to laboratory equipment shortages, and describe information networks that reduce barriers to conducting scientific research in the developing world. The participating speakers will contribute a range of perspectives on these issues, drawing from their experiences in international academic collaborations and nonprofit organizations.