Global research thrives on a plethora of methodologies, yet persistent inequities continue to marginalise Global SouthGlobal North/Global South perspectives. Despite the growing presence of these researchers in global academia, as notedNdlovu-Gatsheni, SabeloDecoloniality; Epistemic freedom by Ndlovu-GatsheniNdlovu-Gatsheni, Sabelo (2018), their contributions are often limited by systemic barriers and epistemic silencing. This chapter focuses on the journeys of Global SouthGlobal North/Global South researchers across continents, revealing various challenges they face, including training and mentorshipMentorship and training, securing research approvalsResearch approvals, conducting fieldwork in remote areas, and navigating the complexities of fundingFunding and disseminationDissemination. This introductory chapter sets the stage for a critical examination of the systemic challenges and transformative opportunities in global knowledge production, as experienced by researchers from the Global South. It discusses key issues such as training, mentorship, fieldwork, funding, and dissemination, framed through an autoethnographic lens that highlights the negotiation of epistemic silencing and institutional barriers. By proposing alternative, context-sensitive methodologies, this chapter not only reflects on the personal experiences of navigating global academia but also introduces the book’s broader themes of decolonising research practices and enhancing global epistemologies. This chapter introduces the book's critical themes, paving the way for subsequent contributions that collectively advance our understanding of diverse, equitable research ecosystems as envisioned by Global South researchers.