Profile

He holds a degree in History from NOVA University of Lisbon and a PhD in Political Science from Oxford University. He is a Principal Researcher at the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon.

Alongside his research career, he has taught at: Portuguese Catholic University, NOVA University of Lisbon, University of Évora and Wadham College, University of Oxford.

He has published numerous articles in Portuguese and international academic journals on topics such as: the history of literacy in Portugal, Portuguese intellectuals in the 19th century, the political culture of liberalism, the imaginary of contemporary Portuguese colonialism and the institution of citizenship in Portugal

He was a founding member and an editorial board member of the journal Penélope. Revista de História e Ciências Sociais (1988-2006).

Among his key books are: A Segunda Fundação (1890-1926), Volume VI of the History of Portugal, edited by José Mattoso (1994; 2nd edition in 2001); João Franco e o Fracasso do Reformismo Liberal, 1884-1908 (2001); Co-editor of the Dicionário Biográfico Parlamentar. A Monarquia Constitucional, 1834-1910 (2004-2005).

In October 2002, the Academia Europaea awarded him the Burgen Scholar distinction in recognition of his academic excellence.

In 2009, he received the D. Dinis Prize, together with Bernardo de Vasconcelos e Sousa and Nuno Gonçalo Monteiro, for the book História de Portugal.

On 7 June 2013, he was awarded the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Infante D. Henrique.

Beyond his academic and research work, he is a regular political commentator and contributor to the newspaper Observador, focusing on current affairs and historical analysis.