This article first outlines the history of mediation in Translation Studies to date and then discusses mediation in the context of the current debate on translator and interpreter education/training and translating as a profession. Finally, it suggests some ideas to distinguish mediation as part of the translation process from mediation as a wide ranging concept including translation as one its (possible) stages with a view both to better understanding the nature of mediation for research purposes and to defining and thus safeguarding the activity of translators as professionals.