The Inequality Observatory is an independent structure, set up by the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES), at the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL). CIES is in charge of the scientific coordination and the on-going operation of the Inequality Observatory, having as initial partners the Institute of Sociology, at the University of Porto (IS-UP), and the Centre for Social Studies, at the University of Azores (CES-UA). The Observatory’s activities are carried out by a permanent team and a wider group of researchers collaborating on a voluntary basis.

The Observatory focuses its activities on social inequality issues. In addition to promoting scientific knowledge in this field, it has the mission of making available to the public accurate and updated information and analyses on inequality, fostering citizenship and contributing to the design and evaluation of public policies. The Inequality Observatory is, therefore, a tool for scientific research and knowledge dissemination.