Since 1961, Melbourne Historical Journal (MHJ, ISSN: 0076-6232) has been the first student-initiated journal and is the only postgraduate-run history journal at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies (SHAPS). It is a refereed journal for the publication of global graduate and early career re-searcher work in history. MHJ usually publishes one issue per year. The journal features themed ar-ticles by prominent, established historians, and presents new and exciting research by talented, emerging historians.
MHJ is published by a volunteer collective of postgraduate students at University of Melbourne across disciplines related to history. They have worked together as an editorial collective for over sixty-five years. Its first issue notably contained the first published work by Greg Dening and advanced copy from Manning Clark’s History of Australia Volume One. Former editors include Raewyn Con-nell, Stuart Macintyre, Elijah Moshinsky, Peter McPhee, Lyndal Roper, and Mark Peel.
Production of the MHJ has faced a series of challenges, including the effects of the pandemic, and a hiatus since 2023. Following discussions between the HPA Committee and the current MHJ Collec-tive, it was agreed that formally integrating MHJ as an activity of the HPA would benefit both or-ganisations.
Integration with the HPA provides MHJ with financial sustainability in the short term. In the me-dium and long term, it offers a framework for governance continuity, and creates opportunities to publicise the journal to potential contributors and readers within the HPA’s growing network of postgraduate students.
Taking on MHJ supports the aims of the HPA by supporting a forum for the academic and profes-sional development of postgraduate students. It builds on the successful revival of the HPA Seminar Series by expanding the opportunities for history postgraduates to participate in professional and social networks. MHJ welcomes submissions based on the HPA Seminar Series. Furthermore, it en-ables the HPA to make a significant ongoing contribution to the academic life of the department.
The accompanying Special Resolution amends the Constitution of the HPA to provide for the op-eration of MHJ. The amended Constitution contains the following key provisions:
▪ MHJ is provided complete editorial independence from the HPA Committee.
▪ MHJ is represented on the HPA Committee by a new Editorial Delegate position. The max-imum number of general committee members is reduced from three to two to retain the same maximum committee size.
▪ The Editorial Delegate is responsible for convening the MHJ Collective, but the Collective is free to organise and govern itself however it decides. Members of the Collective need not be HPA members.
The Special Resolution also elects Shouyue Zhang to the Editorial Delegate position. Shouyue is the Editorial Coordinator of the current MHJ Collective, and has led the negotiations to integrate MHJ with the HPA.
The HPA Committee and the MHJ Collective jointly commend the Special Resolution to HPA members.
For the HPA Committee: Jacobin Bosman (President), Dominique Jones (Secretary), Patrick Gigacz (Treasurer)
For the 2026–27 MHJ Collective: Shouyue Zhang Muskaan Gandhi, Rongrong Zhang
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