Explore academic careers in Public Economics within the Business & Economics subcategory. Opportunities range from faculty positions at top universities to research roles in think tanks and government agencies, focusing on fiscal policy, taxation, and public finance.
Public Economics faculty jobs offer a dynamic pathway for economists passionate about how governments shape societies through taxation, public spending, and welfare programs. This field, also known as public finance in some contexts, examines the government's role in the economy—analyzing everything from optimal tax structures that fund essential services like education and healthcare to designing policies that address inequality and promote economic stability. For novices, imagine public economics as the science behind decisions like whether to raise income taxes on the wealthy to reduce poverty or how to allocate budgets for infrastructure that boosts growth without inflating debt. With global challenges like climate change and fiscal recovery post-pandemic driving demand, experts in this area are increasingly vital in academia and policy circles.
Embarking on a career in Public Economics typically starts with a strong foundation in economics. Most aspiring faculty begin with a bachelor's degree in economics or a related field, diving into core concepts like microeconomics (individual and firm behavior) and macroeconomics (economy-wide phenomena). From there, a master's in economics sharpens analytical skills, but the gold standard is a PhD in Economics with a specialization in public economics. This rigorous 4-6 year journey involves advanced coursework, original research on topics like public goods provision—think non-excludable benefits like national defense that markets alone can't supply—and a dissertation that might explore, for instance, the impact of universal basic income trials. Post-PhD, many secure postdoctoral positions or research fellowships at think tanks like the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), honing skills in econometric modeling and policy simulation.
Transitioning to faculty roles, assistant professors in Public Economics often start at research-intensive universities. Salaries reflect the expertise required: in the US, entry-level assistant professors earn around $130,000-$160,000 annually, rising to $200,000+ for full professors at top institutions, according to recent American Association of University Professors (AAUP) data. In Europe, figures range from €70,000-€120,000 depending on the country, with strong demand in places like the UK and Netherlands. Check out detailed breakdowns on professor salaries to compare by region and rank. Career progression emphasizes publishing in top journals like the Journal of Public Economics, networking at conferences such as the American Economic Association (AEA) meetings, and securing grants—actionable steps like collaborating early with mentors can accelerate tenure.
For students eyeing Public Economics, opportunities abound to build credentials early. Enroll in introductory courses like "Public Finance" or "Government and the Economy" at leading institutions such as Harvard University's Kennedy School, UC Berkeley's Economics Department, or the London School of Economics (LSE), renowned for public economics research. These programs teach novices how to use tools like cost-benefit analysis to evaluate policies, with hands-on projects simulating tax reforms. Rate professors in these courses via Rate My Professor to find inspiring mentors—search for Public Economics specialists and read reviews on teaching styles. Internships at government agencies, like the US Treasury or EU Commission, provide real-world exposure, while scholarships listed on scholarships can fund advanced studies.
Thriving in this field demands strong quantitative skills—mastering Stata or R for data analysis—and a knack for translating complex models into policy recommendations. Trends show rising hires amid fiscal debates; for example, US universities posted 15% more public economics openings in 2023-2024 per AEA job listings. Globally, hubs like US, California, and Los Angeles lead, alongside UK powerhouses. Explore career advice at higher-ed career advice, including tips on crafting academic CVs, and discover faculty openings via higher-ed-jobs. Ready to launch your Public Economics journey? Browse thousands of positions today and connect with Public Economics professors for insights—your impactful career starts here!
Public Economics, also known as public finance, is a vital branch of economics that examines the role of government in the economy (full form: Government Economic Intervention Analysis). It explores how governments raise revenue through taxes, allocate spending on public services, and address market failures to promote social welfare. Emerging in the mid-20th century, the field gained prominence with Richard Musgrave's seminal 1959 book The Theory of Public Finance, building on earlier ideas from economists like Arthur Pigou on externalities and Paul Samuelson on public goods.
Key concepts include public goods (non-excludable and non-rivalrous items like national defense or street lighting, which private markets underprovide), externalities (spillover effects like pollution from factories, corrected via taxes or subsidies), and optimal taxation (designing tax systems to minimize distortion while funding needs). Fiscal federalism studies how responsibilities divide between national, state, and local governments.
Today, Public Economics is more relevant than ever amid rising inequality, climate change, and post-pandemic recovery. Governments worldwide spend about 40-50% of GDP on public services in OECD countries (OECD data, 2023), with the U.S. federal budget exceeding $6.5 trillion in 2024. Examples include carbon taxes to combat global warming (implemented in over 40 countries) and universal basic income pilots addressing automation's job impacts. Implications extend to healthcare funding, like Medicare expansions, and education investments boosting long-term growth.
For jobseekers eyeing Public Economics faculty jobs, demand is strong in economics departments and public policy schools. Median salaries for economics professors range from $120,000 for assistant professors to $180,000+ for full professors (AAUP 2022-23 Faculty Compensation Survey), higher in top institutions. Check professor salaries for benchmarks and explore Rate My Professor for insights on leading Public Economics faculty. Hotspots include Washington, D.C. (/us/dc/washington) near policy think tanks, California universities (/us/california), and global hubs like London (/gb/london).
Students, start with undergraduate courses in microeconomics and public finance, advancing to graduate programs at top schools like the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley, or Harvard's Kennedy School—known for pioneering Public Economics research. Actionable insights: Jobseekers, gain experience through research assistantships at the Federal Reserve or IMF internships; publish in journals like the Journal of Public Economics. Students, leverage higher ed jobs listings and career advice on AcademicJobs.com to find pathways. Network via conferences and check professor ratings in Public Economics for mentorship. For more, visit the National Bureau of Economic Research Public Economics program.
Whether pursuing higher ed jobs or studies, Public Economics equips you to influence equitable policies worldwide.
Embarking on a career in Public Economics—the study of government intervention in the economy through taxation, public spending, and policy design—requires a solid academic foundation and specialized skills. Faculty positions in Public Economics demand expertise to analyze fiscal policies, welfare systems, and public goods, influencing real-world decisions on inequality and resource allocation. Aspiring professors typically secure roles at universities researching topics like optimal taxation or social insurance, with average starting salaries for assistant professors around $130,000-$160,000 USD in the US (higher at top schools like UC Berkeley or Harvard), rising to $200,000+ for tenured roles per recent data from the professor salaries reports.
A PhD in Economics with a focus on Public Economics is non-negotiable for tenure-track faculty jobs. This usually follows a Bachelor's (BA/BS) in Economics, Mathematics, or related fields, and often a Master's (MA/MS) for advanced preparation. Top programs include those at MIT, Princeton, or the London School of Economics, where students tackle core courses in microeconomics, econometrics, and public finance. Completing a dissertation on topics like tax incidence or government debt prepares you for academia.
Certifications are rare but useful: consider the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) for practical policy roles bridging academia and government. No formal teaching certification is required, but pedagogy workshops strengthen applications.
Tips for Jobseekers: Tailor your CV to highlight policy impact—check rate my professor for Public Economics faculty insights at target schools. Explore openings on higher-ed-jobs/faculty or professor-jobs. For students, start with undergrad courses and aim for RA positions. International candidates, note US visa paths via H-1B for faculty. Visit higher-ed-career-advice for CV tips, and rate-my-professor to research mentors in Public Economics.
Embarking on a career in Public Economics, which examines the role of government in the economy through taxation, public spending, and policy impacts (often called public finance), requires a structured academic journey. Aspiring faculty members typically invest 10-15 years in education and experience before landing tenure-track positions. This path combines rigorous schooling with hands-on research and networking, leading to rewarding roles analyzing policies like optimal tax design or social welfare programs. According to the American Economic Association (AEA), economics PhD completion averages 5.7 years, with public economists often publishing in top journals like the Journal of Public Economics.
Key pitfalls include the hyper-competitive job market—only about 10-15% of PhDs secure tenure-track jobs at research universities—and the need for multiple publications. Advice: Start research early, attend conferences like the AEA Annual Meeting, and build networks via Rate My Professor to learn from top faculty. Internships at government agencies (e.g., U.S. Treasury) or think tanks like Brookings boost resumes.
| Career Stage | Typical Duration | Milestones & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 4 years | High GPA, RA experience. Example: Intern at IMF summer program. |
| PhD | 5-7 years | 3+ publications, job market paper. Pitfall: Advisor mismatches—network early. |
| Postdoc | 1-2 years | Grants like NSF. Stats: Median starting salary $142,000 (AEA 2023). |
| Tenure-Track | 6 years to tenure | Teaching excellence; check professor ratings for insights. |
For global opportunities, target U.S. hubs like Berkeley or UK spots via UK academic jobs. Students: Explore courses at top institutions via university rankings. Visit the AEA Careers page for resources. Tailor your CV with our free resume template and check lecturer career advice.
Public Economics, the study of government intervention in the economy through taxation, public spending, and policy design (often abbreviated as PubEc), offers competitive compensation for faculty roles, attracting top talent passionate about shaping fiscal policies and social welfare systems. Salaries vary significantly by role, institution prestige, geographic location, and experience, with U.S. academics typically earning the highest due to robust funding from grants and endowments. For jobseekers eyeing professor salaries, understanding these factors is key to negotiating strong offers on platforms like AcademicJobs.com's higher-ed faculty jobs.
| Role | U.S. Average (2023-24) | Europe Example | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $135,000–$160,000 | £55,000–£75,000 (UK) | /us/ca/los-angeles, /us/ny/new-york |
| Associate Professor | $165,000–$195,000 | €70,000–€90,000 (Germany) | /us/ma/boston, /ca/toronto |
| Full Professor | $200,000–$280,000+ | £80,000–£120,000 (UK) | /us/dc/washington-dc, /au/sydney |
These figures, drawn from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Faculty Compensation Survey and Chronicle of Higher Education data, reflect medians at doctoral institutions. Top public economics programs at Harvard, UC Berkeley, or Chicago Booth pay 20-50% more for star researchers. For instance, a tenured professor at Harvard's Public Economics group might exceed $300,000 with consulting fees from policy think tanks.
Key factors include publication record in journals like the Journal of Public Economics, grant funding from NSF or ERC, and teaching load. International candidates note currency fluctuations—e.g., Australian roles in Sydney (/au/sydney) average AUD 180,000 for associates.
Negotiate holistically: beyond base salary, seek $200,000–$500,000 startup funds for research assistants, reduced course loads (2-2 vs. 3-3), and sabbaticals every 7 years. Benefits often include comprehensive health insurance, 10-15% retirement matching (e.g., TIAA-CREF), tuition remission for dependents, and housing subsidies at elite schools. Pro tip: Use Rate My Professor to gauge department cultures and professor salaries benchmarks before interviews. For global insights, explore career advice on becoming a lecturer. Aspiring faculty, check U.S. jobs, UK openings, or postdoc positions to build your pathway.
Transparent advice: Networking at conferences like NBER Public Economics meetings boosts offers by 10-15%. Students, review professor ratings for course quality at top programs. AAUP's latest survey confirms sustained growth amid hiring freezes elsewhere.
Public Economics, the study of government intervention in the economy through taxation, public spending, and policy design (often called public finance), offers faculty positions worldwide where demand aligns with pressing issues like inequality, climate policy, and fiscal sustainability. Jobseekers targeting these roles should prioritize regions with strong economics departments, think tanks, and policy influence. In the US, demand surges in Washington DC for its proximity to federal agencies, while coastal hubs like Boston and the Bay Area host elite programs. Europe shines in the UK and Scandinavia, where generous public funding supports research. Emerging markets in Asia and Australia provide unique angles on development economics.
Key quirks include the US's hyper-competitive tenure-track system, requiring top publications in journals like the Journal of Public Economics, versus Europe's more stable contracts with teaching loads. Salaries vary dramatically: US assistant professors average $140,000-$200,000 USD (per recent AAUP data), higher at Ivy League schools, while European roles range $80,000-$150,000 adjusted for purchasing power. Over the past decade, hiring trends show a 15-20% rise in public economics postings amid post-pandemic policy needs, per AEA Job Openings listings.
| Region | Demand Level | Avg. Asst. Prof. Salary (USD equiv.) | Top Hubs & Institutions | Quirks & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | High | $140k-$220k | Washington DC (Georgetown), Boston (Harvard), Berkeley (UC) | Network at NBER conferences; check professor salaries by state. Explore US jobs, DC, Boston. |
| Europe (UK/EU) | Medium-High | $90k-$160k | London (LSE), Oxford, Stockholm (IIES) | EU grants boost research; permanent roles common. View UK opportunities, London. |
| Canada/Australia | Growing | $110k-$170k | Toronto (UofT), Canberra (ANU) | Policy-focused; work visas easier. See Canada, Australia. |
| Asia | Emerging | $100k-$180k | Singapore (NUS), Hong Kong (HKU) | Development policy niche; English instruction. Check Singapore. |
For jobseekers new to the field, rate Public Economics professors in target cities on Rate My Professor to gauge department culture—DC faculty often emphasize empirical policy work. Tailor applications to regional quirks: US roles demand AEA JOE submissions, while Europe values ERC grants. Students eyeing courses should note top programs like Chicago's for rigorous theory. Browse faculty jobs, postdocs, and salaries for planning. International candidates, factor visas and cost of living—DC's high but networked. Dive into NBER insights via NBER Public Economics for trends. Actionable tip: Attend regional ASSA sessions; track openings on higher ed career advice. Your global Public Economics career starts here—rate professors and apply confidently!
Public Economics, the branch of economics examining government policies on taxation, public spending, welfare systems, and market failures (often called PubEc), thrives at world-leading universities. These institutions offer rigorous PhD programs, master's degrees in public policy, and faculty positions shaping global policy debates. For jobseekers pursuing assistant professor roles, these hubs provide access to influential networks like the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). Students can dive into courses on optimal taxation and fiscal federalism, building foundations for careers in academia, government, or think tanks. Here's a spotlight on five top institutions, blending U.S. powerhouses with international leaders.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard's Economics Department and Kennedy School of Government lead in empirical public economics. Key programs include the PhD in Economics with PubEc specialization and MPP (Master in Public Policy). Benefits: Collaboration with stars like Raj Chetty on inequality research; strong placement into Fed roles. Explore Cambridge jobs. Check Rate My Professor for course insights.
In Chicago, Illinois, the Becker Friedman Institute drives theoretical public finance. Offers PhD Economics and Harris School MPP. Benefits: Legacy of Nobel winners like Gary Becker; high assistant prof salaries around $180,000 (per recent AAUP data). Ideal for jobseekers via faculty jobs. Chicago opportunities.
Based in London, UK, LSE's Economics Department excels in European public economics. Programs: MSc Public Economics and Policy, PhD Economics. Benefits: Focus on EU fiscal policy; global alumni in IMF/World Bank. Students, rate LSE profs on Rate My Professor. London academic scene.
In Princeton, New Jersey, the Economics Department and Industrial Relations Section shine. PhD Economics, Master's in Public Affairs. Benefits: Henrik Kleven's migration research; top tenure-track paths. View professor salaries for PubEc benchmarks.
Berkeley, California, via Goldman School and Economics Dept. Programs: PhD Public Policy, MPP. Benefits: Emmanuel Saez on tax policy; proximity to Silicon Valley policy gigs. Berkeley jobs.
| Institution | Location | Key Programs | Notable Strengths | Career Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard | Cambridge, MA | PhD Economics, MPP | Raj Chetty research | NBER access, $200k+ salaries |
| UChicago | Chicago, IL | PhD Economics, MPP | Becker Institute | High placement rates |
| LSE | London, UK | MSc PubEc, PhD | EU policy focus | International networks |
| Princeton | Princeton, NJ | PhD Economics, MPA | Kleven expertise | Tenure success |
| UC Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | PhD Pub Policy, MPP | Saez taxation work | Policy internships |
Aspiring Public Economics faculty? Build a strong research portfolio with NBER papers; average hiring requires PhD from top-20 econ programs and 2-3 publications. Salaries start at $150,000-$220,000 for assistant profs at these schools (2023-2024 data from professor salaries). Students, start with undergrad electives, apply for RA (research assistant) roles via research assistant jobs. Network at ASSA meetings; use higher ed career advice. Rate profs at targets on Rate My Professor to pick advisors. Internationals, note U.S. J-1 visas for postdocs. Track openings on higher ed jobs and university sites like Harvard Economics.
Securing a faculty position in Public Economics or enrolling in advanced programs requires strategic planning, as this field examines government intervention, taxation (tax policy), public goods, and welfare economics. With demand rising due to global policy challenges like fiscal sustainability and inequality, here's how jobseekers and students can succeed. These 10 actionable strategies blend rigorous preparation with ethical practices, drawing from trends showing economics PhDs increasingly specializing in public finance amid hiring upticks at top universities over the past decade.
Implement these for a competitive edge in Public Economics career pathways, from student enrollment to faculty roles worldwide.
In Public Economics, which examines government taxation (tax policy), public spending, and social welfare programs, diversity and inclusion are pivotal for crafting equitable policies that reflect real-world populations. The field has historically been dominated by white males, but recent shifts show progress: according to the American Economic Association (AEA), women earned 36% of economics PhDs in 2023, up from 31% a decade earlier, while underrepresented minorities accounted for about 12% of new doctorates. Globally, similar trends appear in Europe via the European Economic Association's initiatives.
Universities enforce diversity policies through required diversity statements in faculty job applications on sites like higher-ed-jobs, mentorship programs, and targeted hires. For instance, Harvard's Public Economics group promotes inclusive seminars, while UC Berkeley's efforts have boosted female representation in public finance research by 20% over five years.
The influence of diverse voices is profound—studies show teams with gender and racial diversity produce 15-20% more innovative policy analyses, addressing biases in areas like inequality and public goods provision. Benefits include richer datasets on marginalized communities, attracting top global talent, and better career outcomes; diverse departments report higher retention rates.
Examples include Raj Chetty's work at Harvard incorporating mobility data for diverse policy insights. For global opportunities, review postings in US, UK, or Canada. Resources: AEA Diversity Initiatives and EconJobRumors forums for candid discussions.
Joining key clubs, societies, and networks in Public Economics is vital for jobseekers and students aiming to build a strong career in this field, which examines government taxation, spending, welfare systems, and policy impacts on economic efficiency and equity. These organizations foster collaborations, host conferences where research is shared, and facilitate job placements—networking through them influences up to 60-70% of academic hires according to economic surveys. For novices, they demystify complex topics like optimal tax theory or public good provision via seminars and resources. Active involvement enhances your profile for Public Economics professor jobs, boosts visibility on the academic job market, and provides student perks like discounted access to journals and mentorship from field leaders rated on Rate My Professor.
Below are prominent examples with descriptions, benefits, joining advice, and career/study significance:
Founded in 1937, the IIPF is a premier global society promoting scholarly research in public finance and Public Economics through its annual congress, attended by 400+ experts discussing topics like fiscal federalism. Benefits: Access to top-tier journal International Tax and Public Finance, policy briefings, and fellowships. Career/study boost: Presenting here signals excellence, aiding tenure-track pursuits; alumni secure roles at Ivy League schools. Join/advice: Membership starts at €100/year (students €30); submit abstracts for congress visibility. Explore at iipf.org. Start with their newsletter for event updates.
The NTA, established in 1907, focuses on U.S. and international tax policy—a cornerstone of Public Economics—with its annual conference serving as a key job market venue. Benefits: Networking receptions, National Tax Journal subscriptions, and webinars. Career/study boost: Essential for U.S. faculty jobs; members report higher Public Economics professor salaries via connections. Join/advice: $175/year (students $50); attend spring symposium first. Visit nta.org to register.
APET advances theoretical Public Economics via biennial conferences featuring rigorous models on redistribution and mechanism design. Benefits: Young researcher awards, proceedings publication. Career/study boost: Ideal for PhD students; boosts applications to top programs. Join/advice: Low-cost membership via conference registration; prepare theory papers. Check APET site.
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) runs a flagship Public Economics program with working papers, quarterly meetings, and summer institutes. Benefits: Pre-publication feedback, dataset access. Career/study boost: NBER affiliation elevates CVs for faculty positions. Join/advice: Faculty nominate; students apply to affiliates program. See nber.org.
IFS conducts independent Public Economics research on UK/EU policies, hosting Deaton Review events. Benefits: PhD internships, policy reports. Career/study boost: Valuable for European jobs; links to UK academic opportunities. Join/advice: Free events, donate for supporter status. Details at ifs.org.uk.
Engage early: Subscribe to mailing lists, volunteer at events, and leverage these for collaborations. Pair with Rate My Professor reviews of network leaders, Public Economics jobs, and advice like becoming a lecturer earning $115k+ to accelerate your path.
Equip yourself with top resources tailored for Public Economics jobseekers pursuing faculty roles in government policy analysis, taxation, and public goods, and students exploring this vital economics subfield. These tools offer job listings, salary insights, research materials, and learning paths to build expertise from novice to advanced levels.
Leverage these alongside higher-ed faculty jobs, career advice, and professor ratings on AcademicJobs.com for a competitive edge in Public Economics careers.
Pursuing a career or education in Public Economics—the branch of economics examining government intervention through taxation (tax policy), public spending, welfare systems, and fiscal policy—offers substantial rewards for those passionate about shaping equitable societies. This field equips you to analyze how policies impact inequality, public goods like healthcare and education, and economic stability, making your expertise invaluable amid rising global challenges like debt crises and climate funding needs.
Career prospects shine brightly, with steady demand for Public Economics faculty jobs at universities worldwide. Over the past decade, hiring trends show consistent openings, particularly in the US and Europe, driven by needs for policy-savvy researchers. Graduates often secure roles not just in academia but also at think tanks, central banks like the Federal Reserve, or international bodies such as the IMF and World Bank, leveraging skills in cost-benefit analysis and econometric modeling of public programs.
Salaries reflect the field's prestige and complexity. In the US, assistant professors in Economics (including Public Economics) earn a median of $118,000 annually, rising to $160,000+ for full professors, per 2023 American Association of University Professors (AAUP) data—often higher at top institutions like UC Berkeley or Harvard, where Public Economics specialists command premiums due to policy influence. Globally, UK lecturers average £50,000-£70,000, scaling up in senior roles. Check professor salaries for detailed breakdowns by institution and region.
To leverage these benefits, build a strong publication record early, pursue a PhD from specializing institutions, and gain policy experience via internships. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or US academic opportunities, California universities (home to Berkeley's stellar program), and London hubs like LSE. For career tips, visit higher ed career advice and rate Public Economics professors. External resources include the AEA Careers page and NBER Public Economics.
Ultimately, Public Economics careers blend intellectual rigor with societal leverage, offering fulfillment through evidence-based policy that drives progress.
Gaining real-world insights into Public Economics can profoundly shape your academic and career trajectory, whether you're a jobseeker eyeing faculty positions or a student exploring coursework. Professionals in Public Economics, which examines government taxation (tax policy), public spending, and welfare systems' economic impacts, often highlight the field's dynamic blend of theory and real-world policy influence. For instance, tenured faculty at top institutions like the University of Chicago or UC Berkeley emphasize how their research on fiscal policy directly informs government decisions, leading to high job satisfaction amid growing demand for experts post-pandemic budget challenges. Salaries reflect this value, with assistant professors averaging $130,000-$160,000 annually in the US, per recent American Economic Association data, rising to over $220,000 for full professors at elite schools.
Students rave about the intellectual rigor and relevance of Public Economics courses, sharing on platforms like Rate My Professor that professors make complex topics like optimal taxation and public goods accessible through case studies on universal basic income or carbon taxes. One reviewer noted a Harvard Public Economics class as "life-changing for policy careers," praising interactive simulations. To aid your decisions, check Rate My Professor reviews for Public Economics instructors at your target schools—filter by "Public Economics" to find gems like those at MIT or LSE (London School of Economics). Emerging trends show a 15% rise in Public Economics faculty hires over the past five years, driven by global fiscal debates.
Advice from pros: Build a strong publication record in journals like the Journal of Public Economics early, network at American Economic Association conferences, and gain policy experience via think tanks like NBER. Students, start with introductory courses explaining concepts like deadweight loss from taxes, then pursue electives on inequality. Explore Rate My Professor for student perspectives on course difficulty and professor approachability in Public Economics, and visit professor salaries for location-specific pay insights, such as higher rates in /us/ca/san-francisco. For career pathways, higher ed career advice offers tips on PhD applications. These perspectives underscore Public Economics' rewarding path—dive in via Rate My Professor to hear unfiltered voices guiding your next steps.
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