A newly refurbished geological laboratory in East Timor is expected to boost the fledgling country's research capacity and help geologists better understand its complex geological setting.

In an article for the American Chemical Society, two researchers from the American Geological Institute have examined how the US geoscience industry will meet increased demand for geoscientists.

The UWA's new Woodside - Chevron chair in Petroleum Geoscience has plans to develop hi-tech graduates who will meet Western Australia's need to be increasingly competitive in the international petroleum industry.

Leading geoscientist Professor David Lumley says WA is already well on its way to being globally competitive and he plans to drive teaching and research to the next level.