The aim of this paper is to identify and describe the key traits of research with life histories. Previous studies on disability and my own work conducting research with the life histories and university experiences of students with disabilities help to explain how these key characteristics manifest themselves in practice. There are six traits inherent to research with life histories: (1) it is a type of research that prioritises listening to the voices of those who have hitherto been excluded from the scientific discourse; (2) subjectivity is recognised and valued; (3) the data analysis, in addition to structural, must also be narrative; (4) it is a type of research that aims to be more democratic, researching "with" rather than "on"; (5) life histories have an emancipatory dimension and seek to empower those participating in the research; and (6) ethics constitutes a vital part of the research. The paper concludes by offering final reflections which highlight the value of researching with life histories and suggests that another kind of research is possible.