PERTH, Australia, May 15 /PRNewswire/ --

Professor Lyn Beazley, eminent neuroscientist and Chief Scientist of Western Australia, will conduct a series of workshops, seminars and media interviews in Johannesburg, Durban, Grahamstown and Bloemfontein.

Prof Beazley is the Chair of the Western Australian Premier's Science & Innovation Council which provides strategic advice on science and innovation to the cabinet. Her workshops will provide an opportunity to share information about worldclass science research being conducted in South Africa and in Western Australia especially in areas of biodiversity, conservation, the marine environment and the sustainable use of the oceans and aquaculture. She will also discuss health, medicine, exploitation of minerals, agriculture adapting to climate change, clean water through developing desalination, renewable energy initiatives using new generation procedures such as solar-, wave- or geo-thermal energy and astronomy.

"Perth is one of the science research hotspots in the world with a strong base in science education making it a rewarding place to study for South Africans to develop their expertise. There are many similarities between South Africa and Western Australia providing outstanding educational science opportunities that would be relevant in both countries," Prof Beazley said.

The Perth Education City/Global Roadshow to Johannesburg, Durban, Grahamstown and Bloemfontein will take place 19th - 23rd May. Representatives from four of Perth's premier universities will accompany the Chief Scientist -- Edith Cowan University, Curtin University of Technology, Murdoch University and University of Western Australia. Education and Training International, representing WA government schools and TAFE colleges, and senior colleges, Perth Institute of Business & Technology and Canning College will also be in attendance. They will be supported by the WA Small Business Development Corporation and Perth Education City, WA's peak body for international education. They will provide information about studying, investing, working and living in Perth.

Perth has hosted students from around the globe for decades. Over 45,000 international students choose Perth as their study destination every year and it has a tradition of 'punching above its weight' as a hub for innovative research and scholarship. The awarding of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine to West Australian Professor Barry Marshall highlights the quality of scientific research conducted in the state. "There are extensive opportunities for education research linkages and countless study abroad opportunities for South African students in Perth", said Mike Ryan, Executive Director of Perth Education City.

WA is the powerhouse of the Australian economy resulting in a consistently low unemployment rate, with plenty of opportunities for South African students to work part-time during their studies. Perth has one of the highest standards of living in the world, and yet it is considerably more affordable than other English-speaking destinations in tuition fees and overall living costs. WA is one of only two states in Australia that offers international students a 40% discount on all public transport.

In 2004, Perth was voted one of the world's top three "most liveable cities" by the Economist and recently Lonely Planet voted Perth as one of the world's "top ten future cities".

Perth Education City/Global Education Roadshow -- Workshop, Exhibition and Counselling -- is coming to a city near you.

    
    Johannesburg, Reddam School
    Monday 19 May 16:00-20:00

    Durban, Maris Stella Girls School
    Tuesday 20 May 17:30-20:00

    Grahamstown, Kingswood College
    Wednesday 21 May 14:30-17:30

    Bloemfontein, Grey College
    Thursday 22 May 16:00-20:00

To find out more about science research in WA or studying, investing, working and living in Perth, visit WA's Chief Scientist (www.doir.wa.gov.au/95.aspx), Perth Education City, SBDC (www.sbdc.com.au/index.asp) and the WA institutions at one of the above locations from 19-23 May. Or, visit www.pertheducationcity.com.au to search for a course in Western Australia.

    
    For further information:
    Mike Ryan
    Executive Director, Perth Education City
    Email: mike.ryan@doir.wa.gov.au
    Mob: +61-413-008-440

    Web site: http://www.pertheducationcity.com.au
              http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/95.aspx
              http://www.sbdc.com.au/index.asp