Introduction

Abstract

This volume contains intellectual self-portraits, or autobiographical sketches focussing upon major factors influencing their professional development, of fourteen fellows of the International Academy of Education. All these contributors have international reputations, based on their respective research careers; they come from many different countries and many different social and cultural backgrounds; the paths that led them to their present professional positions were often tortuous and sometimes extremely challenging; and they now do their research from bases in a variety of disciplines.