A session of the “Dialogues with Society” series, promoted by the CIES-Iscte and organized by the Laboratório da Esfera Pública, brought together researchers, students and members of civil society on 9 April 2026 at Iscte, in Lisbon, to examine the intersections between journalism and scientific knowledge production.

The discussion centred on the book Por Dentro do Chega by journalist Miguel Carvalho, which served as a case study to explore the methodological and empirical dimensions of investigative journalism. The session framed journalistic inquiry as a form of systematic knowledge production, highlighting convergences with research practices in the social sciences.

In his presentation, Miguel Carvalho outlined the trajectory leading to the publication of the book, focusing on fieldwork, source development and verification procedures. He also addressed the epistemic and operational challenges associated with investigating politically sensitive contexts, emphasizing the role of methodological rigour standards.

The session was moderated by João Henriques and Jéssica Pereira, who structured the discussion and facilitated audience engagement. The debate included multiple interventions and questions, reflecting sustained interest in the relationship between journalism, science and public debate.

By foregrounding the methodological parallels between academic and journalistic research, the session reinforced the relevance of investigative journalism as a complementary mode of knowledge production, with implications for public understanding of contemporary political dynamics.