In this introduction, we discuss some of the common issues and experiences expressed in the seven articles of this IDS Bulletin . This issue is a platform for IDS PhD researchers to reflect on their fieldwork experiences, including research‐related challenges, as well as cultural and personal encounters along the way. The authors also develop theoretically‐informed arguments about their research findings. As editors, we offer further reflections on the importance of fieldwork as part of the transformative experience of ‘doing a PhD’ in Development Studies. We suggest that the collection of articles in this IDS Bulletin represents a vision for the future of Development Studies research in which the human, relational and public work elements of research are emphasised throughout the contested process of working for change.