Chega Under the Microscope: Science Meets Journalism

The relationship between investigative journalism and the social sciences was the focus of a session of the “Dialogues with Society” series, organised by the Laboratório da Esfera Pública at CIES-Iscte, on 9 April 2026, at Iscte in Lisbon. The event brought together researchers, students and members of civil society to discuss the methods and challenges involved in investigating contemporary political phenomena.

The discussion centred on Por Dentro do Chega, a book by journalist Miguel Carvalho, whose investigation provided a starting point for exploring the connections between journalistic inquiry and scientific knowledge production.

During the session, Miguel Carvalho discussed different aspects of the research process behind the book, including fieldwork, information gathering and source verification. His presentation offered an opportunity to examine the challenges of investigative journalism and the importance of methodological rigour when studying political and social realities.

The discussion was moderated by researchers João Henriques and Jéssica Pereira, who encouraged audience participation and an exchange of perspectives on the relationship between science, journalism and society.

The event highlighted the contribution of investigative journalism to understanding contemporary political developments, while also drawing attention to opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning between journalistic and academic research practices.

Originally published by CIES-Iscte.