F. Schonewille (editors)

Mediation education nowadays is implemented at all levels in society. From kindergarten and primary school education (‘peer mediation’), to university and post-graduate master programs. The length and intensity varies tremendously: from two days courses, to two years programs. In this respect, mediation is comparable to sports or fine arts: you can practice this intuitively, and with basic training at grass roots level, and you can develop this into professional level , and become a Master in Mediation.

This professionalization is an essential step for mediation as a respected part in the judicial process and the mediator as a respected full partner in the process of conflict management and dispute resolution. The mediator should be recognized as an expert, with specific knowledge and skills to assist as a third party.
To achieve this, high quality education in mediation is essential. Otherwise, mediation will always be seen, particularly by other professions and professionals as a ‘soft skills’, and second order servicing.

• How should this professional education be developed?


• What roles do universities and should universities play in mediation education?


• What trends are there and what are the necessary steps to take, to further develop this young profession, into evidence based practices?

These questions formed the theme of an international symposium in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in February 2012: Mastering Mediation Education, organized by the Universities of Utrecht and Leuven.

Martin Euwema is full professor Organisational Psychology at KU Leuven. He is the president of the International Association for Conflict Management and co-director of the Leuven Center for Collaborative Management.

Fred Schonewille runs a private mediation practice, is a teacher and researcher on the field of mediation and law and is a part time judge.