The Centre

Rigorous research for a fairer society. Law and Society

CEDIS is the research centre of NOVA School of Law, dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Law and Society, with academic and social impact.

History.

Established following the inception of NOVA School of Law in 1996, CEDIS emerged in 2003 with a clear aim: to challenge dogmatic paradigms in legal scholarship and education within Portugal. Its name (Research & Development Centre on Law and Society) reflected our alignment with the Law and Society movement, emphasising a socio-legal orientation towards legal research, education and outreach, distinct from doctrinal concerns.

CEDIS embarked on a mission to integrate legal discourse with broader societal contexts, serving as a catalyst for transformative change across various social dimensions. This comprehensive vision manifested in the tripartite mission of CEDIS, outlined as follows:

To reconceptualise legal science through a strong interdisciplinarity.
To redefine legal pedagogy by combining teaching with research, and by adopting a student-centred pedagogical approach.
To effectuate societal change by engaging directly with external stakeholders and communities.

Throughout its evolution, CEDIS has experienced significant expansion, with its scholarly contributions setting commendable benchmarks across various scientific domains. The impact of CEDIS’s activities extends beyond law, catalysing transformative shifts in diverse spheres including social, cultural, economic, legal, political, environmental, technological and digital domains. The institutional identity of CEDIS has evolved through synergistic engagements with diverse socio-legal research paradigms, aligning its objectives with broader imperatives. Currently, CEDIS’s scholarly pursuits resonate with the European Agenda for Knowledge and Innovation, reflecting Europe’s commitment to progressive knowledge dissemination. Additionally, its endeavours align with the goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs), highlighting its dedication to fostering a sustainable and egalitarian global community.

This alignment underscores CEDIS’s pivotal role in advancing legal scholarship, education and outreach while shaping an inclusive and sustainable future grounded in a nuanced understanding of the interplay between law and society.

Mission.

Today, CEDIS embodies a rejuvenated team characterised by diversity, inclusivity, interdisciplinarity and international perspectives, all converging on its tripartite mission components:

Research

We create innovative theoretical frameworks that go beyond conventional legal paradigms, drawing on the problems, perspectives and methods of other social sciences.

Teaching

We integrate young academics into the centre's activities, in research and university outreach, with a student-centred approach.

Outreach

We engage with policymakers, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and other actors of civil society.

Thematic Lines.

At CEDIS, each scholar embodies the triad of mission components, aligning their scholarly endeavours with one of three thematic lines:

Empowering People Strengthening the protection of fundamental and human rights, promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities, from non-discrimination and family law to migration, data protection and corporate responsibility. Protecting the Planet Sustainable change for the planet and future generations, clean energy, climate action and the protection of marine and terrestrial life, across environmental law, oceans and sustainable innovation. Promoting Strong Institutions Responsible markets and consumption, legal process and dispute resolution, urban governance and taxation, including compliance, financial markets, legal argumentation and emerging technologies.

45 Integrated researchers

53 Research projects

223 Publications

308 Scientific events

Main Funding Institution: FCT

CEDIS is funded mostly by FCT, I.P. (Foundation for Science and Technology, Public Institute) with national funds from the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, under projects UID/00714/2025 and UID/PRR/00714/2025.

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Organisational Structure.

The Board

The Board is composed of the Director, who presides, and two members, appointed for a period of four years.

Scientific Council

The Scientific Council is composed of the Director of CEDIS, who chairs it, and all permanent members holding a PhD.

Scientific Advisory Committee

The Scientific Advisory Committee is composed of the Director; the Faculty Dean; the President of the Scientific Council; two members of CEDIS; and experts in the fields of CEDIS activity.

Regulations

Regulation no. 3/2023, Centro de Investigação & Desenvolvimento sobre Direito e Sociedade (CEDIS). Published in Diário da República no. 02/2023, Série II, on 3 January 2023.

Documents and support.

Research Support Office

The Research Support Office provides comprehensive support to CEDIS researchers throughout the research cycle, from identifying funding opportunities and preparing applications to managing funded projects and communicating research results.

Regulations

Click here to access the CEDIS Regulations.

Reports and Minutes

Click here to access the Activity Reports, Minutes of the Board of Directors Meetings, and Minutes of the Scientific Council Meetings.

Legislation

Click here to access the relevant legislation for institutions and individuals involved in scientific research.

Develop the Science of Law.

Fostering productivity, scientific merit and innovation in research.