Dr McKernan's fellowship topic dealt with Australian prisoners of war and their treatment after they returned to Australia in 1945. His research culminated in the publication of a book, This War Never Ends: The Pain of Separation and Return (Queenland University Press, 2001). The book was launched at the Canberra office of the National Archives in November 2001.

Michael McKernan is a former academic and public servant, and a consultant historian with clients in government and private enterprise. He is the author or editor of more than a dozen books, largely in the field of Australian military and social history. He is also an experienced ABC broadcaster.
22 February 2000
McKernan's public lecture previewed his book This War Never Ends: The Pain of Separation and Return (Queenland University Press, 2001).