Higher Education is changing rapidly to accommodate new ways of thinking, learning and researching. The 2006 HERDSA conference will encourage wide debate on the various ways in which higher education currently and potentially stimulates and nurtures these three critical outcomes. What have we learnt from the past? What trends are emerging? How can we optimise the outcomes of higher education in the future? Can higher education increase its relevance to its students, researchers and the community at large? These and other challenging questions will be explored at the HERDSA 2006 International Conference.

The 2006 HERDSA conference in Perth, Western Australia will be the 29th annual conference in the Society’s prestigious series, attracting members and non-members from Australasia and around the world.

The programme for the conference explores the theme of Critical Visions: Thinking, Learning and Researching in Higher Education. Keynote presentations will explore aspects of this theme, including the internationalization of teaching and learning; higher education research; leadership; indigenous education and the student experience. As well as our keynote speakers, invited speakers have been included to explore a range of topical issues relating to higher education policy, assessment and research in practice.

Whole day pre-conference colloquia will be held on July 9th. Internationalisation of teaching and learning, researching in higher education and higher education leadership will be explored in highly interactive forums over the day.

The conference will be held at the University of Western Australia at the new University Club – a purpose built conference facility. Located on the banks of the Swan River, just ten minutes from the central business district, the University is widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful campuses in Australia. As a centre of learning, it combines a long tradition of scholarly research and teaching with a vigorous focus on new opportunities and possibilities.

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia – the largest state of Australia. Offering white sandy beaches, a superb wine industry and a Mediterranean climate of daily averages of around 18°C (64°F), Perth is an ideal place to visit in July. A range of tours may be undertaken either before or following the conference. The conference will also include a number of social activities to encourage networking and interaction across the conference community.