The literary journal Meanjin is coming back to Brisbane, its birthplace, after 85 years. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Meanjin, which was closed by Melbourne University Press (MUP) in September last year. Founded by Clem Christesen in Brisbane in 1940, Meanjin moved to Melbourne in 1945. QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the university will maintain the journal's high standards and protect its editorial independence with a dedicated board. "Meanjin has been instrumental in shaping Australian literary and intellectual culture for decades," Sheil said. "It has provided a vital platform for critical discussion, a showcase of emerging writers and a valuable training ground for leading Australian publishers and editors. We are honoured to be entrusted with the legacy of this cultural icon." A nationwide search will find a new editor for Meanjin. MUP Chair Professor Warren Bebbington said QUT's deep understanding of Meanjin’s heritage made it the best buyer among many offers. Questions remain about who will control the copyright and royalties from Meanjin’s archives. Critics called MUP’s closure of the journal cultural vandalism. Bebbington said it was a financial decision. Outgoing editor Esther Anatolis said she was unaware of the ownership change. It is unclear if QUT will revive Meanjin's First Nations and linguistically diverse advisory panel. Jeanine Leane, Meanjin’s former poetry editor, said closing the journal coincided with efforts to focus on First Nations voices. Despite receiving a $100,000 Creative Australia grant recently, financial reasons were cited for the closure. Some speculated the decision followed a controversial essay on the Gaza conflict, but Bebbington denied university pressure. University of Melbourne also denied involvement. The closure sparked outrage from prominent figures like Barry Jones and Thomas Keneally, who called Meanjin a “lodestar” for writers. Former minister Gareth Evans criticized the decision as “bone-headed.” Now housed in QUT’s School of Creative Arts, Meanjin will support the university’s creative writing program as it restarts its journey.