Exhume is a new online publication championing scholarly-informed, accessible long-form criticism of Australian literature written by new and emerging researchers.
Created in 2025 by Bianca Martin and Johanna Wiggers, HDR students at James Cook University, Exhume focuses on developing and promoting the work of fellow postgraduates and early career researchers looking to contribute to meaningful discussions of Australian literature and, more broadly, the enduring value of books.
Works published in Exhume offer focused explorations of specific authors and texts, uncover unique literary histories, and present new ways of (re-)reading Australian works of literature to a broader reading public.
About the Editors
Bianca and Johanna are HDR candidates at James Cook University researching in the field of literary studies, history, and sociology.
Bianca (she/her) is in the third year of her PhD, which examines how the #MeToo movement can be used as a lens to better understand contemporary sexual violence narratives.
Johanna (she/her) recently finished her MPhil in comparative literature, which focused on representations of femininity in women’s literature of the German interwar period, and is currently developing a PhD proposal.
Both of us strongly believe that research in literary studies deserves a readership beyond the academic silo, where it is often hidden behind paywalls and obscured by discipline-specific jargon. Instead, we believe it should be in dialogue with public readers. Exhume is therefore geared toward bridging the gap between academic and popular writing.
Furthermore, it is important to us to provide a positive publishing experience for emerging researchers. We offer contributors a series of supportive group workshops in which their peers (us included) offer feedback on early and developing drafts. Through this collaborative approach, we want to foster an inclusive and welcoming space where emerging AustLit scholars can connect and share their expertise.
For any enquiries email Bianca and Johanna at exhume.lit@gmail.com.
We acknowledge the unceded lands on which we live and work and pay respect to the traditional owners: the Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair people of the Darling Downs; and the Wulgurukaba, Bindal, and Nywaigi people of the greater Townsville region.
FAQ
What is our stance on the use of AI?
We want to read and publish original work. Exhume does not support the use of generative AI in the research and writing of commissioned pieces by its contributors.
How are we defining HDRs?
HDRs (Higher Degree by Research Students) refers to students currently enrolled in a postgraduate research degree, such as a MPhil or a PhD.
How are we defining ECRs?
While we consider early career researchers (ECRs) recent alumni of postgraduate degrees, we also acknowledge that academic careers are not always linear and approach this term with openness. If you are unsure if this is you, feel free to reach out!
What is our definition of ‘Australian’?
We acknowledge that the identity marker of ‘Australian’ is loaded and complex. We certainly do not restrict our definition of ‘Australian’ to the confines or citizenship or country of origin. We are seeking contributions from those who are working with Australian-based affiliations or research institutions or are conducting work within the sociocultural Australian context.
Exhume is proudly sponsored by the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing. To learn more about the Roderick Centre and the other projects and events they support, click here.
