{"id":8824,"date":"2026-09-25T13:28:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T13:28:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opal.iscte-iul.pt\/?page_id=8824"},"modified":"2026-10-05T18:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T18:26:17","slug":"dinamico-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.opal.iscte-iul.pt\/","title":{"rendered":"dinamico – Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Observatory for Palestine Studies<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Created in 2025 and jointly coordinated by CEI-Iscte<\/span> and CRIA-Iscte<\/span>, OPal is a space for critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration and global knowledge exchange.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Our mission is to deepen understanding of Palestinian history, politics, culture, society and diaspora, connecting scholars, institutions and communities in Portugal, Europe and worldwide.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/header>\n

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About OPal<\/p>\n\t\t

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A hub for understanding Palestine<\/h2>\n\t\t
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The Observatory for Palestine Studies is the first initiative of its kind in Portugal and one of only three in Europe, alongside the European Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter and the Centre for Palestine Studies at SOAS.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Hosted at Iscte-IUL, the Observatory brings together researchers from diverse fields to advance interdisciplinary study of Palestine. It serves as a hub for academic exchange and public engagement, promoting critical debates and knowledge production.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Research themes<\/h2>\n\t\t
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Social movements and civil society<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Media, communication, and digital cultures <\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Decolonization and settler colonialism<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Gender, identity, and diaspora<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Development, humanitarianism, and global politics<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Cultural and artistic expression <\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Systems of oppression and geopolitical dynamics <\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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Palestine, SWANA, and transnational communities<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n
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Mission<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Palestine Studies in Portugal and Beyond<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

To strengthen and expand Palestine Studies we aim to:<\/p>\n\t\t

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Build academic capacity<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Support research on Palestinian history, politics, culture, society, diaspora and contemporary issues.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Collaborate internationally<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Work with universities and research centres worldwide on joint projects and knowledge exchange.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Reach beyond the university<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Raise the visibility of CEI-Iscte and CRIA-Iscte through academic and civic initiatives.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Foster informed engagement <\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Involve policymakers, media, cultural institutions and civil society when relevant.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Activities<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Scholarly and Public Dialogue<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

We contribute to scholarly and public dialogue through:<\/p>\n\t\t

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Research &
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Working papers, policy briefs and academic articles; support for early-career scholars and PhD researchers.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/article>\n

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Academic & civic engagement<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

International conferences, lectures, workshops and panels, in collaboration with cultural institutions, media and civil society.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/article>\n

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Teaching &
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Courses on Palestine and the SWANA region, university partnerships, and student and faculty exchanges.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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FAQs<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n
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\n \n \n \t\t\t1. What is the Observatory for Palestine Studies?<\/span>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n
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<\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/summary>\n
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The Observatory for Palestine Studies is a research hub coordinated by CEI-Iscte and CRIA-Iscte. It is the first centre in Portugal dedicated to interdisciplinary Palestine Studies and one of only three in Europe.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

\n \n \n \t\t\t2. Why was the Observatory created?<\/span>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n
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<\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/summary>\n
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The Observatory was established in 2025 in response to the growing need for academic research, public debate, and knowledge-building on Palestine\u2014its history, society, politics, culture, and global connections.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

\n \n \n \t\t\t3. What are the main areas of research?<\/span>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n
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<\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/summary>\n
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Our work covers a wide range of topics, including: