Half-Year December Conference
Hamburg , Germany
03 December 2025 - 06 December 2025
Track #1: Transformative Transport – Cutting Edge Sustainable Innovations in Trade and Transportation Across Land, Sea, Air and Cyber Space
Wednesday 03 December 2025 | |
| 14:00 » 18:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Empire Riverside Hotel Address: Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg, Germany |
| 14:30 » 17:30 | Extended Bureau Meeting |
| 15:30 » 17:30 | SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course (only for speakers & moderators) |
| 18:30 » 20:30 | Welcome Reception at Miniatur Wunderland Address: Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany |
| 20:30 | Optional Dinner at Historischen Speicherboden Address: Kehrwieder 2, 20457 Hamburg, Germany |
Thursday 04 December 2025 | |
| 07:00 » 08:00 | AIJA Run for Human Rights |
| 08:00 » 18:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Empire Riverside Hotel Address: Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg, Germany |
| 09:00 » 10:00 | Welcome Address & Keynote Presentation Keynote speaker: Helen Tung Helen Tung is an international lawyer and space law expert with a multidisciplinary background in space law, technology, policy, and global security. With a career dedicated to the intersection of international law, emerging technologies, and outer space governance, Helen brings a unique and forward-thinking perspective to the legal challenges of the final frontier. Educated in the UK, The Netherlands and Australia, Helen has advised on matters related to international space law, national space legislation, commercial space activities, and the geopolitics of space. Her work explores how legal frameworks can adapt to a rapidly evolving space industry, including issues related to space debris, satellite governance, lunar resource utilisation, and space traffic management. Helen has served in advisory and legal roles within international organisations, academia, and government, and is regularly invited to speak at conferences around the world on space law, cybersecurity, and international security. She has published on a wide range of topics, including space policy, autonomous systems, and the need for inclusive legal frameworks that promote sustainability and cooperation in outer space. Helen is an active contributor to the International Aeronautical Federation, a board member of the International Institute of Space Law and a TedX speaker. At the AIJA Half-Year Conference, Helen will provide insights into how space law is developing in response to increased commercial and state activity in orbit and beyond. Her contribution will explore the legal tools available for governing space in an era of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical competition, and why the legal profession must stay engaged with the future of space. |
| 10:00 » 11:15 | Session 1 - The Law in the Driver’s Seat? Litigating Autonomous and Cross-Border Transport Organised by the Transport and Logistics Law and Litigation Commissions As autonomous vehicles transition from science fiction to reality, the legal landscape struggles to keep pace. This session examines the complex web of liability, regulation, and jurisdiction that emerges when self-driving vehicles cross borders and courtrooms alike. Legal professionals will explore pressing questions: Who bears responsibility when an autonomous vehicle causes harm? How do differing national regulations create compliance nightmares for manufacturers? Through expert analysis and a case study, attendees will gain practical insights into emerging litigation trends, regulatory frameworks, and the evolving intersection of transportation technology and international law. Whether you're representing manufacturers, consignees, or consignors, this session provides essential guidance for navigating the legal challenges of our autonomous future. Moderator:
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| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | Session 2 - Safe Harbour in Turbulent Waters: Maritime Arbitration in a Transforming World Organised by the Arbitration Commission This interactive session explores how Hamburg serves as a "Safe Harbour" for resolving maritime disputes in an era of transformative innovation. As the maritime industry embraces cutting-edge sustainable technologies and practices, new types of disputes emerge. Our expert panel, featuring a maritime arbitration keynote speaker, representatives from the German Maritime Arbitration Association, and experienced practitioners from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, will examine how to handle these evolving challenges. The session combines educational insights on maritime arbitration fundamentals with real-world case studies of innovation-driven disputes. Through audience polling and interactive Q&A, participants will explore the unique international character of maritime arbitrations, enforcement challenges when vessels operate globally, and how different jurisdictions approach maritime dispute resolution. Join us to discover whether Hamburg truly offers a safe harbour for resolving tomorrow's maritime disputes. Moderator:
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| 13:00 » 14:00 | Networking Lunch |
| 14:00 » 15:15 | Session 3 - Lost in Space: How Finance and Insolvency Principles Will Impact the Future of Aviation and Cyberspace Organised by the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets and Insolvency Commissions Explore the legal frontier where traditional finance and insolvency principles collide with the emerging worlds of commercial space, aviation, and cyberspace. This session aims to cover how legal principles, particularly those applicable to financing structures and insolvency, will shape the future of trade and transportation across air, cyberspace and even outer space, including financing, financial risk, sustainable technologies. Using the lens of space hypotheticals, the session will draw parallels with real-world examples in aviation and cyberspace, examining lessons learned from past crises and considering how these might inform future legal and business frameworks. The discussion will also focus on how lawyers can play a proactive role in identifying risks, structuring resilient financing arrangements and addressing potential cross-border insolvency challenges in emerging domains such as commercial space transport and cyber-infrastructure. Moderator:
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| 15:15 » 15:45 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 15:45 » 17:00 | Session 4 - Zero Emissions Ahead: Innovations Driving Sustainable Trade Organised by the Environmental and Energy Law and T.R.A.D.E. Commissions and the Sustainability Board This session will explore how innovations, contractual incentives and legal obligations will lead to a transformation of global trade, its underlying contracts and the transportation of goods. It is envisaged to illustrate these topics by covering the lifecycle of a product. More specifically, a contrast between a “conventional” and a transformative transaction will be established: the journey could start with the purchase contract for (responsibly sourced) minerals required for the production of solar panels which would then be transported (by way of a zero-emission powered) vehicle to the production site. We will also look at how transformative commodities such as green hydrogen are produced, traded and implemented in global supply chains, i.e., as fuel for means of transportation and delivery or for heat and electricity supply for commercial buildings. Further, technology and digital innovation will cut emissions by fostering paperless transactions, the use of single, centralized digital platform applications and solutions for supply chain logistics. Several other use cases come to mind and will make this session attractive for a large number of participants. Lastly, rapidly evolving legal frameworks for sustainable cross-border transactions and entire supply chains pose not only challenges but also offer room for contractual incentives. By attending this session, participants will discover how various innovative processes can achieve a net-zero and entirely sustainable transaction. Moderator:
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| 17:15 » 18:15 | First Timers' Gathering Is this your first AIJA event? Come and meet other first-timers, more experienced attendees, and AIJA officers. Get to know the AIJA spirit and enjoy the event to the fullest! |
| 19:00 » 19:30 | Departure from the Hotel to the Conference Dinner Venue |
| 19:30 » 02:00 | Conference Dinner & Afterparty at Süllberg Address: Süllbergsterrasse 12, 22587 Hamburg, Germany |
Friday 05 December 2025 | |
| 08:00 » 18:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Empire Riverside Hotel Address: Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg, Germany |
| 08:45 » 09:45 | Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) & Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) Meeting |
| 08:45 » 09:45 | National Representatives Committee (NRC) Meeting |
| 10:00 » 11:00 | OC Seminar Crash Course – Top Tips for Organising a Seminar The OC Seminar Crash Course provides a comprehensive guide on successfully organising AIJA seminars. Open to all members—whether experienced event organizers, new members, or First Timers—the course is designed to equip anyone interested in contributing to seminar organisation with the essential skills and knowledge for successful AIJA event planning. |
| 11:00 » 11:30 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:30 » 12:45 | In-house Counsel Board Plenary Session - Healthy Transformation: Leading International Legal Teams in a Digital Age In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, leading international legal teams presents unique challenges and opportunities. This seminar will explore best practices for effectively managing and working within diverse teams, emphasizing the critical importance of adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, and strategic insight. We will discuss effective leadership across jurisdictions and legal systems, focusing on how to navigate varying communication styles and manage expectations within culturally diverse teams operating across multiple time zones. A central theme will be building trust and cohesion in a virtual environment, fostering a shared sense of purpose among team members who may not share a physical location, culture, or first language. The session will also delve into the transformative role of technology in legal team leadership. We will examine how leaders can leverage remote collaboration tools, legal tech, and automation to drive successful digital transformation. Essential change management strategies will be highlighted, particularly in traditional environments where adaptation may be more challenging. Participants will gain practical insights into delegating tasks across borders, motivating younger colleagues in virtual settings, and setting realistic performance expectations. We will also discuss leadership during transition phases, including strategies for rebuilding trust and stability following organizational changes. Through expert panels and interactive discussions, attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies to foster healthy, innovative, and high-performing legal teams in an increasingly complex and interconnected global context. Moderator:
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| 12:45 » 13:45 | Networking Lunch |
| 13:45 » 15:15 | Executive Committee Meeting |
| 15:15 » 15:30 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 15:30 » 16:15 | Commission Meetings I |
| 16:15 » 17:00 | Commission Meetings II |
| 17:00 » 17:45 | Commission Meetings III |
| 19:00 » 19:30 | Departure from the Hotel to the Gala Dinner Venue |
| 19:30 » 03:00 | Gala Dinner & Afterparty at Cap San Diego Address: Überseebrücke, 20459 Hamburg, Germany |
Saturday 06 December 2025 | |
| 09:00 » 12:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Elbphilharmonie Address: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany |
| 10:00 » 11:15 | Keynote with Music Music starts when you're walking in. How embodiment and inner posture shape performance and results. In the award-winning acoustics of the Elbphilharmonie, a conductor and an opera singer - both musicians and business coaches - reveal the psychological secrets of performance through music. Keynote speaker: Ingo Martin Stadtmüller Ingo Martin Stadtmüller studied Orchestral Conducting at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. After early engagements in Bielefeld and Halle, where he served as Chief Conductor of the KammerAkademie Halle, he went on to join the Oper Dortmund as conductor before being appointed General Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landestheater und Sinfonieorchester, a position he held until 2024. Over the course of more than two decades on the podium, Ingo Martin Stadtmüller has built a wide-ranging repertoire, conducting both classical masterworks of opera, ballet, and symphonic music, as well as numerous world premieres of contemporary operas and crossover projects. In 2023, he made his acclaimed Vienna debut at Theater an der Wien with Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Die Stumme Serenade, which received enthusiastic international press coverage. In parallel, he has expanded his professional profile with a Master’s degree in Change Management and Leadership. And he is active as a business coach and organizational developer. With his concept Das Innere Orchester® (The Inner Orchestra), he translates the principles of conducting and orchestral interplay into leadership and transformation contexts. His keynotes, workshops, and leadership labs provide vivid and practical insights into resilient decision-making, change management, and people-centered organizational cultures. Keynote speaker: Evelyn Krahe |
| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:45 » 12:45 | SCILL Board Plenary Session - Legal Tech and Mental Health: Navigating the Future of Law with Resilience and Innovation In an era where the legal profession faces an escalating mental health crisis, this panel aims to explore how innovative legal technology can serve as a vital ally in mitigating these challenges. By leveraging AI-driven tools and emerging technologies, legal professionals can cultivate a more sustainable and psychologically safe work environment while maintaining efficiency and excellence in their careers. Key Discussion Points: 1. The Mental Health Crisis in Law:
Moderator:
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| 14:30 » 16:30 | Optional City Tours |
| 19:30 » 23:00 | Home Hospitality Dinner |
| 23:00 » 03:00 | Home Hospitality Afterparty at Schöne Aussichten Address: Gorch-Fock-Wall 4, 20354 Hamburg, Germany |
Track #2: Brave New Work - Health is Wealth? Revolutionary Innovations, Emerging Technologies and Cultural Transformation
Wednesday 03 December 2025 | |
| 14:00 » 18:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Empire Riverside Hotel Address: Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg, Germany |
| 14:30 » 17:30 | Extended Bureau Meeting |
| 15:30 » 17:30 | SCILL Public Speaking Crash Course (only for speakers & moderators) |
| 18:30 » 20:30 | Welcome Reception at Miniatur Wunderland Address: Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany |
| 20:30 | Optional Dinner at Historischen Speicherboden Address: Kehrwieder 2, 20457 Hamburg, Germany |
Thursday 04 December 2025 | |
| 07:00 » 08:00 | AIJA Run for Human Rights |
| 08:00 » 18:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Empire Riverside Hotel Address: Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg, Germany |
| 09:00 » 10:00 | Welcome Address & Keynote Presentation Keynote speaker: Helen Tung Helen Tung is an international lawyer and space law expert with a multidisciplinary background in space law, technology, policy, and global security. With a career dedicated to the intersection of international law, emerging technologies, and outer space governance, Helen brings a unique and forward-thinking perspective to the legal challenges of the final frontier. Educated in the UK, The Netherlands and Australia, Helen has advised on matters related to international space law, national space legislation, commercial space activities, and the geopolitics of space. Her work explores how legal frameworks can adapt to a rapidly evolving space industry, including issues related to space debris, satellite governance, lunar resource utilisation, and space traffic management. Helen has served in advisory and legal roles within international organisations, academia, and government, and is regularly invited to speak at conferences around the world on space law, cybersecurity, and international security. She has published on a wide range of topics, including space policy, autonomous systems, and the need for inclusive legal frameworks that promote sustainability and cooperation in outer space. Helen is an active contributor to the International Aeronautical Federation, a board member of the International Institute of Space Law and a TedX speaker. At the AIJA Half-Year Conference, Helen will provide insights into how space law is developing in response to increased commercial and state activity in orbit and beyond. Her contribution will explore the legal tools available for governing space in an era of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical competition, and why the legal profession must stay engaged with the future of space. |
| 10:00 » 11:15 | Session 1 - Innovations and Inequities: Ensuring Reproductive Justice in an Era of Rapid Scientific Change Organised by the Healthcare and Life Sciences Commission, the Human Rights Committee and the AIJA Women Network This session explores the paradox at the heart of reproductive innovation: while technologies like advanced contraception, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), genetic testing, and digital health platforms offer powerful tools to expand reproductive freedom and improve care, they also risk deepening existing disparities. The panel will critically examine how access, affordability, and regulation shape who benefits – and who may be left behind – especially across lines of socioeconomic status, geography, race, and gender identity. By unpacking the complex interplay between scientific progress and reproductive justice, the session aims to illuminate both the promise and the pitfalls of a rapidly evolving landscape. Grounded in real-world examples and legal principles, the discussion will also consider how policy and cultural shifts can help ensure that innovation advances equity – not just technology Moderator:
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| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:45 » 13:00 | Session 2 - Navigating the Future of M&A in Healthcare and Technology: Legal Perspectives on IP Strategies, Ethics, and Emerging Technologies Organised by the Corporate and M&A and IP/TMT Commissions As emerging technologies reshape the healthcare and tech sectors, M&A transactions are becoming increasingly complex – and driven by intellectual property. This session will dive into the evolving role of IP strategy, data assets, and algorithmic innovation in tech-focused deals, exploring how advancements in AI, biotech, and health tech are transforming the risks, value, and structure of acquisitions. Legal experts will offer practical insights on navigating due diligence, managing intangible assets, and addressing ethical and regulatory challenges in this rapidly shifting landscape. With case studies and hands-on examples, the panel will equip participants with tools to future-proof their M&A strategies in a tech-dominated world. Moderator:
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| 13:00 » 14:00 | Networking Lunch |
| 14:00 » 15:15 | Session 3 - From Code to Control: Legal Challenges related to Employee Creations and Employee Wellbeing in the Modern Workplace Organised by the Labour Law and IP/TMT Commissions In today’s decentralised and innovation-driven workplaces, legal questions around employee wellbeing and intellectual property have never been more urgent. This session brings together experts in labour and IP law to unpack the complexities of remote work, employee-created inventions, and the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. From ownership rights and IP assignment clauses to the mental health impact of digital workflows, the panel will explore how evolving work models are challenging traditional employment norms. Interactive role-play and real-world insights will offer a practical look at balancing innovation, control, and care in the modern workplace. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how legal frameworks must adapt to protect both corporate interests and the rights and wellbeing of employees in an increasingly digital and creative economy. Moderators:
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| 15:15 » 15:45 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 15:45 » 17:00 | Session 4 - Unlocking Innovation: Access and Use of Healthcare Data to Shape Personalized Medicine Considering Antitrust, Contractual and Regulatory Challenges Organised by the International Business Law, Healthcare and Life Sciences and Antitrust Commissions As personalised medicine advances through AI and data-driven innovation, access to high-quality healthcare data has become both a critical enabler and a legal battleground. This session brings together experts in antitrust, international business law, and healthcare regulation to explore how data access, competition law, and cross-border contracts shape the future of individualised healthcare. From monopolistic data structures and SME challenges to emerging EU frameworks like the European Health Data Space, the panel will tackle the tension between fostering innovation and ensuring equitable access to vital health data. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the discussion will also examine how regulatory procedures, reimbursement models, and international agreements can be designed to promote responsible AI development while maintaining patient safety, fairness, and innovation on a global scale. Moderators:
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| 17:15 » 18:15 | First Timers' Gathering Is this your first AIJA event? Come and meet other first-timers, more experienced attendees, and AIJA officers. Get to know the AIJA spirit and enjoy the event to the fullest! |
| 19:00 » 19:30 | Departure from the Hotel to the Conference Dinner Venue |
| 19:30 » 02:00 | Conference Dinner & Afterparty at Süllberg Address: Süllbergsterrasse 12, 22587 Hamburg, Germany |
Friday 05 December 2025 | |
| 08:00 » 18:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Empire Riverside Hotel Address: Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg, Germany |
| 08:45 » 09:45 | Joint Academic Programme Committee (APC) & Officers of the Commissions Committee (OCC) Meeting |
| 08:45 » 09:45 | National Representatives Committee (NRC) Meeting |
| 10:00 » 11:00 | OC Seminar Crash Course – Top Tips for Organising a Seminar The OC Seminar Crash Course provides a comprehensive guide on successfully organising AIJA seminars. Open to all members—whether experienced event organizers, new members, or First Timers—the course is designed to equip anyone interested in contributing to seminar organisation with the essential skills and knowledge for successful AIJA event planning. |
| 11:00 » 11:30 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:30 » 12:45 | In-house Counsel Board Plenary Session - Healthy Transformation: Leading International Legal Teams in a Digital Age In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, leading international legal teams presents unique challenges and opportunities. This seminar will explore best practices for effectively managing and working within diverse teams, emphasizing the critical importance of adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, and strategic insight. We will discuss effective leadership across jurisdictions and legal systems, focusing on how to navigate varying communication styles and manage expectations within culturally diverse teams operating across multiple time zones. A central theme will be building trust and cohesion in a virtual environment, fostering a shared sense of purpose among team members who may not share a physical location, culture, or first language. The session will also delve into the transformative role of technology in legal team leadership. We will examine how leaders can leverage remote collaboration tools, legal tech, and automation to drive successful digital transformation. Essential change management strategies will be highlighted, particularly in traditional environments where adaptation may be more challenging. Participants will gain practical insights into delegating tasks across borders, motivating younger colleagues in virtual settings, and setting realistic performance expectations. We will also discuss leadership during transition phases, including strategies for rebuilding trust and stability following organizational changes. Through expert panels and interactive discussions, attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies to foster healthy, innovative, and high-performing legal teams in an increasingly complex and interconnected global context. Moderator:
|
| 12:45 » 13:45 | Networking Lunch |
| 13:45 » 15:15 | Executive Committee Meeting |
| 15:15 » 15:30 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 15:30 » 16:15 | Commission Meetings I |
| 16:15 » 17:00 | Commission Meetings II |
| 17:00 » 17:45 | Commission Meetings III |
| 19:00 » 19:30 | Departure from the Hotel to the Gala Dinner Venue |
| 19:30 » 03:00 | Gala Dinner & Afterparty at Cap San Diego Address: Überseebrücke, 20459 Hamburg, Germany |
Saturday 06 December 2025 | |
| 09:00 » 12:00 | Registration & Open Welcome Desk at Elbphilharmonie Address: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany |
| 10:00 » 11:15 | Keynote with Music Music starts when you're walking in. How embodiment and inner posture shape performance and results. In the award-winning acoustics of the Elbphilharmonie, a conductor and an opera singer - both musicians and business coaches - reveal the psychological secrets of performance through music. Keynote speaker: Ingo Martin Stadtmüller Ingo Martin Stadtmüller studied Orchestral Conducting at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. After early engagements in Bielefeld and Halle, where he served as Chief Conductor of the KammerAkademie Halle, he went on to join the Oper Dortmund as conductor before being appointed General Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landestheater und Sinfonieorchester, a position he held until 2024. Over the course of more than two decades on the podium, Ingo Martin Stadtmüller has built a wide-ranging repertoire, conducting both classical masterworks of opera, ballet, and symphonic music, as well as numerous world premieres of contemporary operas and crossover projects. In 2023, he made his acclaimed Vienna debut at Theater an der Wien with Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Die Stumme Serenade, which received enthusiastic international press coverage. In parallel, he has expanded his professional profile with a Master’s degree in Change Management and Leadership. And he is active as a business coach and organizational developer. With his concept Das Innere Orchester® (The Inner Orchestra), he translates the principles of conducting and orchestral interplay into leadership and transformation contexts. His keynotes, workshops, and leadership labs provide vivid and practical insights into resilient decision-making, change management, and people-centered organizational cultures. Keynote speaker: Evelyn Krahe |
| 11:15 » 11:45 | Networking Coffee Break |
| 11:45 » 12:45 | SCILL Board Plenary Session - Legal Tech and Mental Health: Navigating the Future of Law with Resilience and Innovation In an era where the legal profession faces an escalating mental health crisis, this panel aims to explore how innovative legal technology can serve as a vital ally in mitigating these challenges. By leveraging AI-driven tools and emerging technologies, legal professionals can cultivate a more sustainable and psychologically safe work environment while maintaining efficiency and excellence in their careers. Key Discussion Points: 1. The Mental Health Crisis in Law:
Moderator:
|
| 14:30 » 16:30 | Optional City Tours |
| 19:30 » 23:00 | Home Hospitality Dinner |
| 23:00 » 03:00 | Home Hospitality Afterparty at Schöne Aussichten Address: Gorch-Fock-Wall 4, 20354 Hamburg, Germany |
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