The Excellence Research Group on Mediation and Arbitration of the University of Valencia (Spain) –the MEDARBValencia Group- was awarded the condition of Group of Excellence by the Generalitat Valenciana through its Prometeo Program (PROMETEO/2010/095, Mediation and Arbitration: Essential Elements of the Model of Justice of the XXIst Century). The research group has extensive and long-lasting experience in the analysis of the theoretical and practical reality of ADRs, bringing together some of the most important Spanish specialists in this field. The group, which features an interdisciplinary and interuniversity condition, has been directed since its inception by Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Silvia Barona Vilar, Professor of Procedural Law at the University of Valencia and President of the Court of Arbitration and Mediation of the Chamber of Commerce of Valencia.

The existence and activities of the group date back to late 80's, when the 1988 Spanish Arbitration Act was enacted. Since then the activity of the group has been permanent. The group has addressed in depth the different issues raised by the use of the several ADR mechanisms in Spain and in other countries in the world, mainly in Latin America and Asia. This sustained activity has allowed the granting of a plurality of national research projects -from the Ministry of Education and Science of Spain, the Department of Education of the Generalitat Valenciana or the University of Valencia- and its participation in different international research projects in this area. These activities have led to a vast volume of publications, both books and articles, in Spain and abroad. Also it has allowed broad and consolidated cooperation with some of the leading international groups in the field of ADR.

The prestige of the MEDARBValencia research group and of its members has resulted in the creation of the collection "Studies on arbitration" by the prestigious Editorial house Thomson / Civitas. Additionally, the Group, many of whose components are national and international arbitrators, has regularly advised and reported on national and regional bills on arbitration and mediation and its components are members of some legislative committees in Spain, the European Union and other places worldwide . Besides, through the Presidency of the Court of Arbitration and Mediation of the Chamber of Commerce of Valencia, the MEDARBValencia Group maintains ongoing relationships with many of the Courts of Arbitration and Mediation in Latin America and other parts of the globe.