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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Getting Started with Research is live. Our new free resources help teachers introduce real research in any UK classroom. Explore the resources for lessons 1 – 5 and the mini project: researchinschools.org/getting-start…

Illustration of two people planting a seedling under a sun. Text reads, "How does research create change?" The number "1" is behind the illustration.

Illustration featuring a person thinking. They are surrounded by a flask, a light bulb, a pie chart, and a bar chart. Text reads, "How do researchers find answers?" with the number 2 in the background.

A person is examining a science diagram with connected dots, resembling a molecular network. The text reads, "How do researchers ask powerful questions?" with the number 3 in the background.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Young Researcher of the Year: Silverdale School Innovative Research Question: Mill Hill County High School Outstanding Research Project: Cirencester College

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Announcing the winners of the 2026 IRIS Awards... 🏆👏 Teacher of the Year: Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Research Trailblazers: Burford School Research Community and Culture: @derbycollege.bsky.social and... 👇 #IRISAwards2026 #StudentResearch #STEM

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Bring real space science into your classroom 🔭 Students can investigate gravitational wave events through Multi-Messenger, a new project developed in partnership with Portsmouth University and GOTO Observatory. researchinschools.org/projects/multi-messenger/ #Astronomy #WorldSpaceWeek

A vibrant space scene with a glowing centre, surrounding by blue swirls. An observatory is in the bottom right corner. Text reads "Multi-Messenger".

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

📢 Vacancy: Development Officer We’re looking for a skilled and thoughtful development professional to help shape and strengthen our fundraising approach and build lasting partnerships. 📍Home-based 📌 £38,000-£42,000 🗓️ Mon 19 October 👇Find out more: researchinschools.org/current-vacan…

A person holds a molecular model in front of them. Text reads: "Join our Team"

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

What makes a good research question? 🌼 Meaningful 🔎 Specific 📚 Researchable ✅ Achievable A research question does not have to perfect from the beginning of the project – refining is part of the process. #ResearchInSchools #StudentResearch

An illustration of a person thinking with text that reads "What makes a good research question?"

An illustration of a person examining a diagram with interconnected circles. Text reads "Specific: Is it clear what the student wants to find out?"

An illustration of two people tending to a plant. text reads "Researchable: Can the student gather evidence to explore the question?"

An illustration of a person holding a magnifying glass, examining a butterfly. Text reads: "Achievable: Can the question realistically be investigated using the time, equipment and resources available?"

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

When students take part in real research, they build confidence to tackle complex problems, work as a team and adapt when things don’t always go as planned. These experiences help to prepare young people for life beyond the classroom. #STEM #BuildingSkills

Two male students reviewing data together in the classroom.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Welcome back 🌼 A new school year means new opportunities to explore the world through research. We’re looking forward to supporting new and returning schools this year! 🔬 #ResearchInSchools

A teacher stands between two students, smiling. The students are smiling too and are in the middle of conversation. They are in a science lab.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#IRISProjects are cross-curricular, spanning subjects from geography to computer science. 🌍💻 Many schools use IRIS projects to enrich student’s learning by taking part in authentic research. Explore our projects: researchinschools.org/projects

A herd of elephants in front of the setting sun. Text reads: Elephants on the Move. IRIS. Age Suitability 12+.

An abstract space themed image with the text: Multi Messenger. IRIS. Age suitability 14+.

An abstract image of purple and blues with the the text: Big Data Atlas. IRIS. Age suitability 16+.

An abstract image hinting at DNA strands and computers. Text reads: DNA Origami. IRIS. Age suitability 14+.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

What if every young person had the opportunity to take part in real research? Students can: 🔎 Explore questions that they’re curious about 📊 Work with real scientific data 💡 Discover new pathways and careers in STEM 🌍 Make a real difference in their local communities

An illustration of a person with glasses and ponytail, with a quote stating "It was a really nice thing to do throughout the year and it felt like you were really making a contribution to the community"

An illustration of a person is smiling up at their quote, which reads: "It was definitely a confidence boost. When I was researching, I was just thinking, 'wow, I'm analysing data that actually impacts the world in a real manner.'"

An illustration of a person with a thoughtful expression is next to their quote, which reads: "When you're doing work on something that you've truly picked yourself and that you've decided to do, it's a lot more fun. You can spend more time on it, and you can really get invested in it. I really enjoyed this IRIS project"

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Want to introduce real research into your classroom, but not sure where to start? We’re developing a new set of free resources designed to help schools begin their research journey. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know when they are live: researchinschools.org/getting-started/

Text reads: "A new set of free resources to help bring research into the classroom..." with an illustration of a person holding a scientific round object

A person is climbing on a set of 5 colourful steps, with text "...In a practical, accessible way"

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Get your students involved in Elephants on the Move 🐘 ️🌳, a real-world conservation project using GPS data. Explore habitat loss, poaching & learn more about urgent global challenges through science. 🌍 👉 researchinschools.org/projects/elep… #IRISProjects #WorldElephantDay

A group of elephants in a grassy landscape. Overlaid text reads: "Elephants on the Move"

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

In a few short weeks, classrooms across the UK will be once again filled with curiosity. What will students discover this year? 🌍 Environmental challenges 🐘 Wildlife conservation 🔭 New astronomical objects 📈 Authentic data sets We can't wait to see what they uncover.

Two students are working in a lab, facing away from the camera. The text "Discover something new" is displayed over the image

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Why does research matter to young people? Through taking part in real research, students tell us they have: 🔎 Explored their own research questions 🌍 Made a real impact in their local community 💡Learnt more about careers in STEM 📈 Worked with real scientific data

An audience of people seated at an event, facing forward. Some are raising their hands.

A student is in the bottom right hand corner, with a speech bubble saying "Itʼs nice to think that even at our age we’re making a difference to something that has a real impact. It gives a real powerful feeling instead of just something made up... itʼs something real, itʼs something
that’s actually doing something in the world."

A student is in the bottom right hand corner, with a speech bubble saying "Cornwall council wanted to go carbon neutral by 2030. I think these projects that we’re doing, that other colleges are doing, are really beneficial towards achieving that goal. Trying to find more sustainable renewable sources to combat climate change is really really cool.”

A student is in the bottom right hand corner, with a speech bubble saying "When we got to go into the labs... I think it was really eye opening. Especially for me because I don't do geology specifically so it opened up potential new career paths and subjects at university that I could look at.”

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

We want to change the culture in UK education so that every young person experiences real research. Help us build the case for change, so that every young person has the opportunity to take part in real research whilst they’re at school. #STEMEducation #AuthenticResearch

Two students in a classroom. One is looking into a microscope

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

We asked students and teachers about the impact of our Research and Innovation Framework pilot project: 🧬 "Anyone can do science and be a scientist" ⬆7.1% 👨‍🔬 "People like me work in STEM" ⬆13.9% 🚏 "I know more about the different routes into a STEM career" ⬆23.2%

Text reads: "Impact Report. The R&I Framework 2025" There is a closeup image of sunflowers.

Text reads: "Anyone can do science and be a scientist". A line graph shows a 7.1% points increase

Text reads: "People like me work in STEM". A line graph shows a 13.9% points increase

Text reads: "I know about the different routes into a STEM career". A line graph shows a 23.2% points increase

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

That’s all of the schools and colleges we work with wrapped up for the summer holidays! Teachers, researchers, supporters, policy-makers and change-makers: thank you so much for working with us to bring research into classrooms across the UK. We’ll see you in the new academic year :)

A woman is half into the frame, as a butterfly flies nearby. The words "Thank you" are overlaid.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Every young person should have the opportunity to take part in real research. Getting Started with Research is a new set of free resources to help schools bring research into the classroom, regardless of starting point. Sign up to be the first to access: researchinschools.org/getting-started/

A illustration of a person holding an atom symbol is in the middle of the image, surrounded by the text "Getting Started with Research". The background is bright green

Text reads: "A new set of free resources to help bring research into the classroom..." with an image of a person holding a science diagram

Text reads: "...In a practical, accessible way." With an illustration of a person walking up 5 steps

text reads: "Any school can use them. Teachers can introduce research into the classroom in a way that works for them." With an illustration of two people kneeling beside a small plant

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Definition: Investigative Research Projects (IRPs) These are experiences which aim to be an accurate and authentic portrayal of science. This includes designing a research question and collecting and analysing data as well as reporting results. #STEM #Education #GlossaryIRIS

A person is standing in front of a very large waterfall. This scene has white text which reads: Investigative Research Projects. These projects aim to be an accurate and authentic portrayal of science, with young people at the helm. Students design the research question, decide the ways in which they undertake their work, collect and analyse data, and report on their results.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

What’s it like at the IRIS student conferences? It’s like this! 🎉 Thank you so much to all of the students, teachers and guests who joined us in Manchester and Exeter, helping to make it one of our most inspiring conference seasons yet! researchinschools.org/iris-student-…

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

When students take part in genuine research, they build confidence and develop valuable skills so they are ready for life beyond the classroom. We're working towards a future where every young person experiences real research. #STEMEducation #AuthenticResearch

A group of three students doing an experiment in a school classroom. One is holding a test tube.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

We're pleased to be recognised in @royalsociety.org's recent Science for Society report as an example of enquiry-based science education in action. When young people take part in real research, they build skills and confidence and see themselves as scientists. Let's build on what works.

A student is standing in a conference room in the audience, speaking into a microphone.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

We are very sorry to share that the IRIS London Student Research Conference due to take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 is cancelled. All confirmed attendees have been notified and you can read the full update on our website: researchinschools.org/2026-london-c…

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Thank you to everyone that joined us at our first two #conferences in Manchester and Exeter! We’ve had a brilliant time learning about all sorts of research projects, from the impact of global warming on microorganisms to investigating different hand-drying methods in school. 📍 Next stop – London.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

An amazing first conference in Manchester 🤩 Students shared their research with others, building connections and confidence. We’ve seen and heard so many impressive posters and conversations – thank you for joining us! 📍 Next stop – Exeter. #Conferences

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

We’re in Manchester for the first IRIS conference of the year! These #conferences give students the opportunity to share their amazing research with peers from other schools and the wider academic community. Director Jo Foster shares her warm welcome 📷 #STEM #StudentResearch

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming students and teachers from across the UK next week! With around 800 young researchers joining us in three different cities, its gearing up to be our biggest conference season yet. Here are some throwbacks to last year’s conferences!

A group of students sit smiling in a conference venue. Some have their hand raised.

A group of students stand in conversation in a conference venue

Two students stand in front of a scientific poster, speaking about their work to other people

A student stands on stage holding a remote, speaking to an audience at a conference

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

The UK’s scientific and technological pipeline relies on young people who can think critically, solve problems and create new knowledge. We have a huge untapped pool of potential in the UK, and an innovative curriculum that embeds real-world research would play a powerful role.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Our Carbon Researchers project empowers students to tackle the climate crisis in their own schools. A group of students from Swanwick Hall School looked at reducing their paper use as a starting point in helping their school become net zero. #WorldEnvironmentDay

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

With thanks to our research partners Dr Andrew Lee and Dr Paolo Actis at the @universityofleeds.bsky.social, and Clare Turnbull and Alison Rouncefield-Swales for their work on the article. Thanks also go to the Henry Royce Institute and the @braggroyceleeds.bsky.social for funding and support.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

📄 From the abstract: “...authentic research experiences can foster greater personal autonomy, sustain engagement, and be used to improve the perception of subjects such as materials science.” Read the full article by following the link on our website: researchinschools.org/our-research/

researchinschools.org

Our research / authored by the Institute for Research in Schools staff

Our peer reviewed research validates why real research in schools benefits students & enhances their understanding of STEM subjects.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Dr Neil Garrido, one of IRIS’ Regional School Engagement Leads has had an article published in the Journal of Chemistry Education! 🎉📚 It explores how providing authentic research opportunities can have a positive impact on students, focusing on one of our IRIS projects: DNA Origami.

A group of students stand in a lab, wearing lab coats and looking at a piece of scientific equipment.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

🎬 Behind the scenes We’ve been doing lots of filming in May – checking in with schools, preparing for a new project and working on our Getting Started with Research videos! #ResearchInSchools #STEMEducation #IRISProjects

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

“It didn't just teach me about science; it also taught me about teamwork and how to pose and create my own research questions.” Student-led research projects don't just deliver and consolidate knowledge. They also build skills in ways that the current curriculum alone cannot.

Image of students in a classroom with the quote "It didn't just teach me about science; it also taught me about teamwork and how to pose and create my own research questions."

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

IRIS projects are cross-curricular, spanning subjects from geography to computer science. 🌍💻 Many schools use #IRISProjects to enrich student’s learning by taking part in authentic research. Explore our projects: researchinschools.org/projects

An image of bess in a field of lavender and flowers, with a circle magnified in the middle. Text reads: "Discover something new" and "Projects 2025-26"

An image of a cosmic scene filled with rich green and black shapes, with a magnified circle in the middle. A small spacecraft is on the bottom left. text reads: "Cosmic Mining"

An image consisting of abstract blue, green and white shapes, with a magnified circle in the middle. Text reads: "Earth Observation"

A circular image of a bee on purple flowers, with a vivid green background. Text reads "Original Research"

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Last year, Dover Grammar School for Girls produced a range of esters, using alternatives to traditional catalysts. Normally sweet-smelling, these are produced when an alcohol reacts with carboxylic acid. This year they’re looking into this further to make them even more sustainable.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

From recycling textiles to developing more sustainable fragrances, today's researchers are investigating the impact of ionic liquids, and how specialist chemicals could revolutionise the industrial process.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Designed in collaboration with @rsc.org and the Queen’s University Belfast, our #GreenerFragrances project introduces students to the use of chemistry in improving industrial practices. It plays an important role in sustainability and helps reduce their impact on the environment.

The background features a blue, water image. In the centre in the shape of a circle is an image of the top of a test tube, with a symmetrical floral pattern inside. The text reads: Greener Fragrances, age suitability 16+

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

We’re busy preparing for conference season! Last year, nearly 700 students attended conferences in Exeter, Manchester and London, sharing 243 research posters. 💡 94% students felt inspired about STEM careers 🫶 100% teachers rated conferences as good/very good

A picture of a person holding a microphone, speaking at a conference.

After taking part in an IRIS conference 94% of students felt inspired about different careers in STEM

After taking part in an IRIS conference 100% of teachers rated it as good or very good

It wasn't as nerve-wracking as I thought. I was so focused. I'd accrued such a passion, such a knowledge behind this, that it felt really good to finally get it from my computer out to an audience.

Connor, student
Camborne Science and International Academy

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

From classroom learning to real-world impact 🌍 Year 8 students from The King's Academy took part in our Wild Things project, looking at whether bug hotels could increase biodiversity at their school. Students doing IRIS projects don’t just learn about science, they become researchers.

Image of 4 students inspecting a tree, with text overlayed: 'What happens when students tackle real environmental challenges?'

Image of a bug hotel, with the text: Students asked: 'Do bug hotels increase insect diversity on our school field?'

Image in the background is bright green and yellow foliage, with the right hand side of the bug hotel peeking into the left-hand side of the image. Text reads: 'To investigate, students compared areas with and without bug hotels.
- Used pitfall traps to survey insect life
- Collected and recorded data over time

Students built a variety of skills through this research:
- Problem solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Data collection and analysis

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

We have linked up with @britsciassoc.bsky.social so that eligible schools can submit their IRIS projects for a free CREST Award! More information on CREST Awards: www.crestawards.org/secondary-furth… Teachers can send us a message for info on how to submit an IRIS project.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

🔬 Definition: Science Identity Science identity is how someone connects with science & its community. Engaging in real research at school helps students see themselves as scientists. Take a look at our glossary to explore more definitions of key terms: researchinschools.org/iris-glossary/

A vibrant fish is in the background. Overlaying text states: Science Identity - This is how someone views and relates to science. When someone feels connected to a science community, it contributes to them developing an identity within science.

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

We asked students and teachers about the impact of our Research and Innovation Framework pilot: 🧬 "Anyone can do science and be a scientist" ⬆7.1% 👨‍🔬 "People like me work in STEM" ⬆13.9% 🚏 "I know more about the different routes into a STEM career" ⬆23.2%

Graphic that depicts:
A 7.1% increase in students believing that 'Anyone can do science and be a scientist'

Graphic that depicts:
A 13.9% increase in students believing that 'people like me work in STEM'

Graphic that depicts:
A 23.2% increase in female students believing that 'I know about the different routes into a STEM career'

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Young people can use real satellite data to track environmental change 🌍 Previous students on this project looked at how pollution affected toxic algae growth. Explore satellite science in your school: researchinschools.org/projects/eart… #EarthDay #IRISProjects #EduSky

A image featuring abstract blue and white shapes, with the text 'Earth Observation' and 'age suitability 14+'

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The Institute for Research in Schools @researchinsch.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

We asked students who had done a research project about their journey. ⭐️ 87% said research can be hard but is rewarding 🧩 78% reported stronger problem-solving skills ✍️ 81.6% rated their planning skills as good/very good Read our skills blog: researchinschools.org/building-skil…

Two students working on a science experiment involving a stand, in a classroom.

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