The Brunel Summer Programme on International Arbitration 2026 concluded on 11 September after five intensive days of learning, discussion and networking at Brunel and leading arbitration venues across London.
The Programme brought together around 20 academics and practitioners from four continents to explore some of the most important contemporary issues in international arbitration, including commercial and investment arbitration, sports arbitration, evidence, advocacy, ISDS reform, the Global South and the growing role of AI.
A highlight was the keynote lecture by Dr César Pereira, President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), focusing on CIArb soft law instruments and its AI Guideline.
Sessions were hosted by leading law firms and arbitral institutions, including Macfarlanes, King & Spalding, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Boies Schiller Flexner, Pinna Goldberg, Signature Litigation and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). The Programme was also supported by CIArb, with Transnational Dispute Management (TDM)/OGEMID serving as its media partner.
Dr Filip Balcerzak, a co-organiser of the Programme, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from practitioners, law firms and arbitral institutions. It makes a real difference to our students and to the Programme as a whole.”
Dr Boris Praštalo, who contributed to the very first edition of the Programme and co-organised later editions, added: “It was great to see so many of our Brunel students getting involved, asking questions and really making the most of the week.”
Prof. Jurgita Malinauskaite, Head of Brunel Law School, reflected on the Programme’s development: “Three years on, it is wonderful to see the Programme becoming a regular and recognised annual event in the Brunel Law School calendar, built on extensive networks with leading law firms and arbitral institutions, further enhancing the reach and impact of Brunel Law School.”