The special issue of the British Educational Research Association (BERA) explores the unique value of the professional doctorate in Education (EdD) journey. The journey is defined by personal history and circumstances, sculpting professional identities of doctoral students. The process of completing an EdD goes beyond the development of high-level research skills, encapsulating learning experiences and the aspiration to contribute new knowledge and effect changes in their respective fields. The structure of EdD facilitates collaborative learning, providing opportunities for students to interface with each other in overcoming challenges.

The blog posts contained in this issue reflect the diverse motivations of doctoral students, ranging from a passion for their subject, a desire for change, to the need to enhance the education system for future learners. Kerry Assamakis, an early career researcher, considers the importance of collaboration, while Nicola Tierney reflects on the uncertainty associated with research a key aspect of doctoral research in finding one’s question. Elizabeth Cahill, a school leader, links her doctoral research with shaping the educational landscape and using it as a tool for driving necessary changes.

Janine Pavlis and Lisa Panfold consider personal commitments in their doctoral research journeys, emphasizing the need to improve specific areas for their child’s benefit and the convergence of personal and professional lives, respectively. In reflection, Jemima Davey and René Hartman incorporate the essence of the EdD in both personal and professional transformation and the experience of engaging with doctoral study while overcoming challenges, respectively. Nikki Anghileri completes the issue by discussing the role of the professional doctorate in amplifying unheard voices through research.

The BERA issue provides a collection of reflections that encapsulate the significance of doctoral study and the impact on the individual. The authors, on the verge of becoming independent early career researchers, take you through their journey and why it matters to each one of them.

To contact BERA for more information or any other queries related to the topics discussed in the special issue or for other educational research-related inquiries, refer to the appropriate resources or visit the contact us page on their official website. For individuals specifically seeking assistance with EDd issues, EDdCaller.com can provide specific guidance on how to reach an agent at EDd, how to speak to someone at EDd, or generally how to get a hold of EDd.