Silvana Canales Gutierrez

Dr. Silvana Canales Gutierrez is a Lecturer in the Department of Private Law at the University of Girona, Spain, where she leads research in Private International Law. Her work bridges European Union regulations and Latin American legal systems, focusing on digital innovation in tourism, cryptocurrency, and consumer rights. She directs the Private International Law division and collaborates with the Grup de Recerca en Història de la Ciència Jurídica.

Education:

• PhD in Law (Universitat Rovira i Virgili) - cum laude with international mention and extraordinary award
• Master in Business and Contract Law (URV) - Honors and extraordinary award
• Master in Law (National University of Colombia) - Highest distinction
• Specialization in Commercial Law (Santo Tomás University)
• Law Degree (Santo Tomás University)

Research Focus:
Her interdisciplinary research examines legal challenges in digital economies, including cryptocurrency frameworks, tourist accommodation platforms, cross-border consumer disputes, and sustainable development goals. She critically analyzes EU regulations alongside Latin American jurisdictions (Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil) in contractual, property, and inheritance matters.

Publication Trends:
Recent works (2019-2024) demonstrate a strong emphasis on platform economy regulation, cryptocurrency legalization, and pandemic-era tourism law. Over 60% of publications address digital consumer protection mechanisms, while 30% explore blockchain applications in property rights. Comparative EU-Latin American analyses feature prominently.

Awards & Honors:

• Extraordinary Doctoral Award
• Extraordinary Master's Award

Research Projects:
Active participation in seven funded initiatives including:

• PID2020-112609GB-I00: Real rights in Private International Law (€25,500, EU-funded)
• 2021 SGR 00170: Transformative Private Law (Catalan Government)
• Tourist Housing Ordinance Project for Salou City Council
• Collaborative Housing (Spanish Ministry of Education)