Too often, geographic boundaries separate what is possible and what is not in scientific research. Often this is due to the economic situation of individual countries, universities, or individuals. This divide is particularly evident in some developing countries, where needed scientific resources are often lacking, or difficult to obtain. Earlier this month Cell had a feature article on a new initiative of the New York Academy of Sciences called Scientists Without Borders.

At its core, Scientists Without Borders aims to partner scientists in the developed world with those in developing countries. Such collaboration can be of great benefit to all parties involved, and I am optimistic that scientific networking websites like Scientists Without Borders and Nature Network will help lead us into an era fostering increased international communication, collaboration, and scientific progress, connecting individuals across geographic, as well as economic boundaries.