This is a special episode serving as an introduction to the webinar series celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Doctoral Programme in Educational Research - Higher Education (DPER). A series of webinars is organised throughout September 2020 starting with the kick-off panel on 2 September. In this episode, Dr Janja Komljenovic, the Director of the programme, is joined by Dr Jan McArthur and Dr Ann-Marie Houghton, who are both teaching staff, as well as alumni of the programme. They are in a unique position to share their experience, thoughts, and views.  DPER is one of the first doctoral programmes in the field of higher education research and is designed so that doctoral researchers remain employed in their work environment and travel to Lancaster for regular residential sessions. This supports students to undertake rigorous research into the higher education contexts in which they work. The Educational Research Department and Lancaster University are incredibly proud of the programme and the achievements of its alumni. To join our celebratory webinar series focused on the field of higher education research, the experience of students and staff of the programme, its impact on careers and personal lives, and research of its members, please see our webpages: https://bit.ly/3hxupCv