In this introductory chapter, Tsolidis outlines the aims of the book and its significance to the field. A discussion of changes to doctoral study in the context of changing universities is provided. She introduces the key concepts, which include difference and the paradox of simultaneous becoming and unbecoming through doctoral study. In order to become researchers, it is assumed that elements of identity need to be subsumed so that students can develop as researchers. She argues that this expectation weighs more heavily on non-traditional students when they enter traditional universities. Tsolidis suggests that supervisors should cultivate this resistance to let go what makes students different. She introduces the contributing authors to the book, women with diverse backgrounds who entered doctoral studies as mature-age students. All the authors have been long-term members of a reading group that continues to meet informally. With hindsight and this collegial support, these women reflect on their doctoral study, what triggered their desire, what hurdles they overcame, how they did this and where they took their PhDs.