Reverse Diaspora explores the lives and creative work of Australian expatriate writers in Britain since the early nineteenth century. Contesting the notion of Australia as a predominantly 'import' culture, this project shows Australians 'exporting' literary talent and creativity to Britain and further afield. A unique collaborative venture by Australian literature specialists in Australia and Britain, Reverse Diaspora will be the first historically comprehensive, detailed examination of expatriate Australian writers at work in Britain.

The changing relations between Australia and Britain are explored in this project through writers of literature and drama. Reverse Diaspora explores the aspirations, problems and achievements of approximately eighty expatriate Australians who have chosen to live and work in Britain since the early nineteenth century. From one point of view they represent a 'brain drain'; from another they are exporters of Australian ideas, experience and talent. This study will increase knowledge and understanding of the lives, creative achievements and public impact of Australians abroad. It will enhance Australians' capacity to interpret their national culture in their region and the world.

As this project develops readers will be able to discover information about the lives and literary careers of the writers who are the subject of the research.