A new frontier in space law and justice technology
Dr Bin Li’s work lies at the intersection of technology, law and justice. His research assesses the legal regulation of space technologies and explores the benefits and risks that new technologies pose for justice reform.
What role does technology have in the justice sector? How should space technologies be regulated by national and international governments? As we enter a new decade of technological innovation, Newcastle Law School lecturer Dr Bin Li is helping to determine the best ways to use and regulate some of our world’s most innovative creations.
“Technology has been rolled out rapidly in the justice sector in Australia and other parts of the world, and it is important to ensure that the use of technology contributes to fair and just resolution of disputes instead of causing new burden or adverse impact on disputing parties,” explains Bin.
“My research aims to safeguard ‘fairness’ while the justice sector embraces various technological innovations.”
Regulating space technologies
After his PhD studies at Renmin University of China, Bin launched his career at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (now Beihang University), China’s leading aerospace technology and engineering university. As a new staff member, Bin began exploring how domestic and international legal rules regulate the use of space technology.
“My research looks into how national governments should harness the use of space technology — in military activities in outer space for example — so that the application of the technology can contribute to a safe and secure outer space environment for humankind.”
Bin has now been researching space technology regulations for more than 13 years. He has emerged as a prominent and authoritative voice within the research community and general public, having written several popular articles for publications such as The Conversation.
“My research work and articles are helping to inform the general public about important issues arising from human use of outer space and space technology.
“It’s exciting to see the increasing hits on my publications at different online platforms, including SSRN, ResearchGate and The Conversation.”
One of Bin’s recent articles for The Conversation,evaluating India’s anti-satellite test, garnered more than 25,000 hits from all corners of the globe.
“I’m proud that my research is having a high impact on the public perception of outer space—the new frontier for humankind.
“These metrics means that people are spending their time reading my research, and that it has value to them. This also means potential collaboration opportunities with researchers at home and abroad.”
Reforming the justice system
After moving to Australia in 2016, Bin began to extend his research on technology into a new domain: the justice system. His work in this area seeks to shed greater light on how new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, are used within the justice sector and how they impact on dispute resolution processes.
“We know there are some concerns around the use of these technologies in the justice sector.
“My research investigates how technological innovations are used in court processes and other dispute resolution approaches, such as mediation and arbitration, and how they affect stakeholders’ rights and obligations.
“Ultimately, we are looking at whether the use of these new technologies really contributes positively to fairness and justice.”
Within this research domain, Bin has been collaborating with colleagues at the University of Newcastle, including Professor Tania Sourdin, on a research project evaluating ‘Adieu’, an online divorce tool developed byAdieu AI Pty Ltd.
“We are collecting and analysing feedback of the platform’s end-users to see what concerns stakeholders have with the online technology and what could be done to address these challenges.”
Forging local and international partnerships
Bin’s research network extends to Canada, China, the USA and elsewhere. He is a visiting scholar for universities such as DePaul University College of Law, USA, where he has conducted research into air and space law.
Bin’s educational background and work experience in highly respected Chinese universities also puts him in an excellent position to engage and collaborate with top Chinese researchers specialised in areas of law and technology and space law.
While Bin shares that the move from China to Australia in 2016 was initially challenging, he continues to be inspired and motivated by his peers at the University of Newcastle and further afield.
“The transition from the work environment in China to Australian academia was a bit hard at first, but thanks to the generous support from colleagues at the Newcastle Law School and the Faculty of Business and Law, I am used to this new and exciting work setting and really enjoy it!”
A new frontier in space law and justice technology
Dr Bin Li’s work lies at the intersection of technology, law and justice. His research assesses the legal regulation of space technologies and explores the benefits and risks that new technologies pose for justice reform.
Career Summary
Biography
Bin joined Newcastle Law School as a Lecturer in January 2016. He previously worked as an Associate Professor at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics School of Law (Beihang University School of Law) in Beijing, China for eight years.
Research Expertise
Bin's doctoral thesis focused on the basic principles of international law, including state sovereignty, state responsibility, the protection of human rights and the use of force in international relations.
Bin has developed a particular interest in the legal issues of international aviation and space law since he started his academic career at Beihang Law School in 2007. He has published a number of high quality journal articles in this regard in Chinese and English languages and has chaired a number of research projects funded by Chinese government. His research topics covered environmental protection in outer space and intellectual property issues in international space station. In view of his expertise in aviation and space law, Bin was invited by Chinese government to be an expert in drafting Chinese relevant legislation, including Civil Airplane Industry Development Regulations(Draft) and Interim Measures on Space Debris Mitigation and Protection(2010) . In 2013, he was awarded China Institute of Space Law Excellence in Research Award.
Bin was the visiting scholar at DePaul University International Aviation Law Institute (U.S) in 2009 and at Newcastle Law School (Australia) in 2012. He was invited by Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to give a lecture on space and national security issues in Canberra in October 2012 to legal officers from that Department, representatives from Royal Australian Air Force, representatives from the U.S Embassy as well as legal scholars from Australia. He served as a core expert in McGill-funded research project of 'Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space (MILAMOS) ' in 2016 - 2017.
After moving to Australia in 2016, Bin began to extend his research on technology into a new domain: the justice system. His work in this area seeks to shed greater light on how new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are used within the justice sector and how they impact on dispute resolution processes.
Teaching Expertise
Bin taught a number of core and elective courses at Beihang Law School, including Public International Law, International Commercial Law and Aviation and Space Law. In 2012, Bin was awarded Beihang University Blue Sky Teaching Star Award and Xifei Outstanding Teaching Award. He currently teaches Torts, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Public International Law, Legal System and Method at Newcastle.
Service Roles
Bin is the Program Convener for the LLB (Hons) and also provides support to international students from China who study law at Newcastle, including facilitating support for them from more senior Chinese students. Bin is an elected member of the UON Academic Senate for a two-year term of office from 1 January 2021.
Qualifications
- PhD (International Law), Renmin University of China
Keywords
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Technology and Justice
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- Mandarin (Mother)
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Lecturer | University of Newcastle Newcastle Law School Australia |
Lecturer | University of Newcastle Newcastle Law School Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
30/6/2010 - 31/12/2015 | Associate Professor | Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics School of Law China |
1/7/2007 - 30/6/2010 | Lecturer | Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics School of Law China |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2013 |
China Institute of Space Law Excellence in Research China Institute of Space Law |
2012 |
Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics ('Beihang University') Blue Sky Teaching Star Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
2012 |
Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics ('Beihang University') Xifei Outstanding Teaching Award Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
Professional
Year | Award |
---|---|
2018 |
Guest Researcher Trilateral Cooperation Studies Centre (TCSC), Renmin University of China | China |
2018 |
Affiliated Member University of Tasmania |
2018 |
Finalist, Faculty of Business and Law Award for International Engagement Faculty of Business and law, The University of Newcastle |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2020 |
Sourdin T, Meredith J, Li B, Digital Technology and Justice Justice Apps, Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon, 110 (2020) [A1]
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Journal article (22 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2020 |
Sourdin T, Li B, Hinds T, 'Humans and justice machines: Emergent legal technologies and justice apps', Precedent, 20-24 (2020)
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2020 |
Sourdin T, Li B, McNamara DM, 'Court innovations and access to justice in times of crisis', Health Policy and Technology, 9 447-453 (2020) [C1] © 2020 Background: COVID-19 has disrupted not only the health sector but also justice systems. Courts around the world have had to respond quickly to the challenges presented by t... [more] © 2020 Background: COVID-19 has disrupted not only the health sector but also justice systems. Courts around the world have had to respond quickly to the challenges presented by the pandemic and the associated social distancing restrictions. This has created significant challenges for the justice system and such challenges are likely to be further compounded in the post-pandemic era as there is a ¿tsunami¿ of COVID-19-related disputes predicted. Methods: This study will examine how global court responses have transitioned from being primarily traditional, face-to-face proceedings to online court processes (as supported by internet technology). By adopting a comparative approach, we will analyse how some countries have adapted to this shift to online mode while also maintaining a focus on access to justice. Results: We argue that online modes of dispute resolution, often referred to as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), can promote resolution while facilitating social distancing in this new COVID-era. The rapid shift from traditional court processes to an online mode has further assisted the public, lawyers and experts to access the justice system in some jurisdictions, even during the crisis. In light of the scale of recent changes, there have been concerns about the capacity of courts to adopt newer technologies as well as issues relating to the impact of a new online model of justice, particularly in terms of the barriers for more vulnerable members of society. Further, the use of disruptive technologies in some courts have posed questions around whether outcomes generated by these innovations reflect the meaning of ¿justice¿ in its traditional sense. Conclusions: This article argues that courts should embrace newer technologies that support court services while being mindful of possible tech-related issues that can impact on justice objectives. We argue that by placing further emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods and ODR into the future, this might offset the likely tsunami of COVID-related litigation which would enable courts, hospitals, medical professionals and patients to settle disputes in a just, equitable and more efficient manner.
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2020 |
Sourdin T, Li B, Simm S, Connolly A, 'COVID-19, Technology and Family Dispute Resolution', Australasian Dispute Resolution Journal, 30 270-283 (2020) [C1]
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2019 | Li B, 'Legal Governance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in China Balancing Between Public Safety and Industry Growth', Issues in Aviation Law and Policy, 19 81-102 (2019) [C1] | |||||||
2019 |
Sourdin T, Li B, Burke T, 'Just Quick and Cheap? Civil Dispute Resolution and Technology', Macquarie Law Journal, 19 17-38 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Li B, McCarthy S, Chen W, 'Fostering future lawyers in an era of globalisation: Integrating dispute resolution into overseas clinical legal education externships', Australian Journal of Clinical Education, 4 1-11 (2019) [C1]
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2017 |
Sourdin T, Li B, 'Editorial', Newcastle Law Review, 12 v-ix (2017) [C1]
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2012 |
Bin L, 'Weeden and Chow: Commentary from a legal perspective', Space Policy, 28 177-179 (2012) The paper, 'Space sustainability through the sustainable management of common-pool resources: a framework and potential policies' by Brian Weeden and Tiffany Chow, resea... [more] The paper, 'Space sustainability through the sustainable management of common-pool resources: a framework and potential policies' by Brian Weeden and Tiffany Chow, researches Long-Term Sustainability issues (LTS) from the perspectives of both economics and governance, focusing on analyzing Elinor Ostrom's principles, and puts forward the main elements for a management regime. Their paper will be helpful for the international community to understand the importance of LTS, to further discussions in this field and even to shape a framework for tackling LTS. On the other hand, some of the principles raised by Ostrom still need to be clarified and deliberated throughout the international community. This commentary will analyze some of Ostrom's principles from the perspective of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST) and put forward the values LTS should encompass based on an analysis of its relations with provisions in the OST. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
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Show 19 more journal articles |
Conference (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 |
Li B, McCarthy S, 'Clinical Legal Education in Australia Newcastle Model', Zibo, China (2019)
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Other (18 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Li B, McGee J, 'Australia has long valued an outer space shared by all. Mining profits could change this', (2020) [O1] | ||||
2020 | Li B, 'How can space law address space militarization?', : Filling Space (2020) | ||||
2020 |
Li B, Maguire A, 'what are the Australian government s powers to quarantine people in a coronavirus outbreak?', : The Conversation (2020)
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Show 15 more others |
Thesis / Dissertation (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Li B, Study on Responsibility to Protect, Renmin University of China (2007) | ||
2004 | Li B, Validity Of Arbitration Clause, Renmin University of China (2004) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 16 |
---|---|
Total funding | $262,224 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20211 grants / $49,500
New Colombo Mobility Project$49,500
Funding body: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Funding body | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
---|---|
Project Team | Shaun McCarthy |
Scheme | New Colombo Mobility Plan |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C1700 - Aust Competitive - Other |
Category | 1700 |
UON | N |
20202 grants / $39,212
New Colombo Mobility Project$33,000
Funding body: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia
Funding body | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Shaun McCarthy |
Scheme | New Colombo Mobility Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
Legal Governance on the Flight Management of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the U.S.A$6,212
Funding body: Beihang University
Funding body | Beihang University |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Bin Li |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1901605 |
Type Of Funding | C3211 - International For profit |
Category | 3211 |
UON | Y |
20194 grants / $56,012
New Colombo Mobility Project$33,000
Funding body: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Funding body | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
---|---|
Project Team | Shaun McCarthy |
Scheme | New Colombo Plan |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
Adieu Intelligent Divorce App and Family Dispute Resolution project$20,000
The project investigates and comments on the veracity of the Adieu product and the role it could play in the current family dispute resolution environment and justice sector.
Funding body: Faculty of Business and Law University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Business and Law University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Tania Sourdin |
Scheme | Corporate Finance |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Conference funding$2,479
Funding body: Faculty of Business and law, The University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Business and law, The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Bin Li |
Scheme | Conference Funding |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Incidental Research Funding$533
Funding body: Faculty of Business and law, The University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Business and law, The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Shaun McCarthy, Wei Chen |
Scheme | Incidental Funding |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20181 grants / $21,500
Endeavour Mobility Project$21,500
Funding body: Department of Education and Training
Funding body | Department of Education and Training |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr. Bin Li and Mr. Shaun McCarthy |
Scheme | Endeavour Mobility |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
20171 grants / $33,000
New Colombo Mobility Project$33,000
This is a two week intensive clinical legal education placement hosted at Beihang University in Beijing, Peking University in Beijing, Shanghai Jiaotong University in Shanghai and East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai. The work integrated placement consists of students attending and participating in legal advice clinics and workshops held at universities, courts and arbitration institutes in China. Further, students attend law firm offices of international law firms based in Beijing and Shanghai and discuss with Chinese and international legal practitioners the cases and areas of law that are conducted by the law firms. The placement also involves students attending seminars and participating in clinical workshops together with Chinese law students and staff regarding the law and legal process in Australia and China. The learning activities include interactive simulated client interviews, court hearings, mediations and negotiations. The project enhances student knowledge of China and its legal system and strengthens partnerships with universities and law firms in China.
Funding body: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Funding body | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
---|---|
Project Team | Mr. Shaun McCarthy and Dr. Bin Li |
Scheme | New Colombo Mobility Plan |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
20161 grants / $3,000
New Staff Grant$3,000
Funding body: Faculty of Business and Law, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Business and Law, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr. Bin Li |
Scheme | New Staff Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20121 grants / $2,000
How to Teach Chinese LLB Students in English Language - Take The Course of Public International Law As an Example $2,000
Funding body: Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding body | Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
---|---|
Project Team | Bin Li |
Scheme | Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Key Teaching Reform Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20111 grants / $2,000
Study on Space Policies of the U.S.A and EU$2,000
Funding body: Chinese Institute of Space Law
Funding body | Chinese Institute of Space Law |
---|---|
Project Team | Bin Li, Yukui Hou |
Scheme | Annual Research Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
20103 grants / $36,000
Comparative Study on Aviation Industry Legislation In the U.S and EU$20,000
Funding body: Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Funding body | Aviation Industry Corporation of China |
---|---|
Project Team | Weiqiu Long, Bin Li, Chunli Xia, Daoqin Ding |
Scheme | AVIC Annual Research Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
International Law on Outer Space Environmental Protection and Its Way Forward$8,000
Funding body: Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding body | Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
---|---|
Project Team | Bin Li, Chunli Xia, Guozhu Gao |
Scheme | Fundamental Research Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Fostering Law Students Capable of Litigating Before International Courts/Tribunals In A University Of Science and Technology$8,000
Funding body: Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding body | Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
---|---|
Project Team | Bin Li |
Scheme | Blue Sky Teaching Star Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20091 grants / $20,000
Drafting The Civil Airplane Industry Development Regulations For State Council$20,000
Funding body: Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China
Funding body | Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China |
---|---|
Project Team | Weiqiu Long, Hao Liu, Bin Li, Chunli Xia |
Scheme | COMAC Annual Research Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2010 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | PhD | Introducing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms in the Criminal Justice System of Bangladesh towards Effective Remedy and Equal Access to Justice for All | PhD (Law), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | The Impact of Intellectual Property Rights on the Indonesian Innovation System Since TRIPS | PhD (Law), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Masters |
Mphil Program - Study on the State Sovereignty Affected by Natural Disaster in International Relief Outstanding Mphil's Thesis of Beihang University (2014) |
International Law, Beihang University | Sole Supervisor |
2013 | Masters | Mphil Program - Study on the Legal Issues in relation to the General Aviation Accidents Investigation | International Law, Beihang University | Sole Supervisor |
2012 | Masters | Mphil Program - New Developments in International Legislation on Civil Aviation Safety | International Law, Beihang University | Sole Supervisor |
2011 | Masters | Mphil Program - Legal Issues concerning the Near Space | International Law, Beihang University | Sole Supervisor |
Research Projects
Legal Governance on the Flight Management of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the U.S.A 2019 - 2020
The project investigates how the unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are legally regulated in the United States and provides consultancies on the effective approach to booming the drone industry while ensuring the public safety. The project is funded by the Key Laboratory on Legal Strategy and Governance of Industry and Information Technology based in Beihang University in Beijing and please see http://fxy.buaa.edu.cn/info/1054/4788.htm for grants approval.
Edit
Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
Country | Count of Publications | |
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Australia | 4 | |
China | 2 |
News
Dr Li Commences Guest Researcher Appointment
July 18, 2018
Dr Bin Li
Position
Lecturer
Newcastle Law School
College of Human and Social Futures
Contact Details
bin.li@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 7899 |
Fax | (02) 4921 6931 |
Office
Room | X-544 |
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Building | NeW Space |
Location | City Campus , |