Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing

James Cook University

The Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing at James Cook University was established in 2024 by a generous bequest from JCU Foundation Professor of English Colin Roderick and the late Dr Margaret Roderick to foster excellence in reading, writing, creating, teaching, and engaging with Australian literature in all its forms. Our MPhil and PhD pathways aim to develop scholars who can blend the narrative-focused insights of the writer with the analytical depth of the researcher. As a regional humanities centre we are particularly passionate about developing projects that connect with the region (broadly conceived), develop regional capacity and global connectivity. Our three areas of focus are health and wellbeing, region and environment, and First Nations writers and perspectives.

The Roderick Visiting Scholar research fellowship program provides stipends and accommodation for up to six scholars annually. We welcome applications from researchers with a PhD or equivalent professional experience. Eligible disciplines include—but are not limited to—literature, creative writing, and cultural studies with a focus on broadening the scope of Australian literature and creative writing to engage with our three themes: health and wellbeing, region and environment, and First Nations perspectives. We particularly welcome innovative or interdisciplinary approaches from scholars across Australia and internationally.