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The University of Luxembourg team achieved remarkable success at the World Finals of the 34th Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court, held on 2 October 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Our team, comprised of Ms Lucia Maori and Mr Noan Renault, competed against over 80 teams from around the world, earning second place in this prestigious global competition. In addition, the judges of the International Court of Justice awarded the team Best Memorials award, and Ms Lucia Maori was named Best Oralist.
This marks the first time that a team from Luxembourg has advanced to the World Finals and achieved such outstanding results in mooting, setting a new milestone for the University and for space law education in Luxembourg.
Prestigious competition
Organised by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition is one of the most prestigious international moots in the field of space law. It simulates proceedings before the International Court of Justice, challenging student teams to litigate timely and complex legal questions related to the peaceful use and governance of outer space.
The University of Luxembourg team was coached by Dr Gabrielle Leterre, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF), and alumna, Ms Theodora Liameti. All are current or former students of Professor Mahulena Hofmann’s Master in Space, Communication and Media Law at the University of Luxembourg.
UniLu team (from left to right): Ms Theodora Liameti, Ms Lucia Maori, Prof. Mahulena Hofmann, Mr Noan Renault, and Dr Gabrielle Leterre
Having won the European Regional Finals in Paris on 1–3 April 2025, Ms Maori and Mr Renault went on to represent Europe in the World Finals in Sydney. There, they won the semifinals against Strathmore University (Kenya) on 30 September and advanced to the World Final. The case they had to tackle – not entirely theoretical in today’s context – focused on the legality of space activities in conflicts. Assigned the role of respondent, they competed against the New York University School of Law (U.S.) as applicant and ultimately secured second place.
Professor Mahulena Hofmann, who was in Australia to support her students throughout the competition, expressed great pride in their commitment and performance.
‟ Lucia and Noan were not only perfectly prepared, but also impressive in their performance and rhetorical skills. This team was absolutely the best in my professional career in Luxembourg. I am grateful to all supporting us.”
Senior Professor
Reflecting on the experience, Ms Maori said:
“Mooting truly is a transformative experience that I recommend for any law student. The stimulation of working through complex questions of international law, writing your submissions, adapting arguments for oral pleadings, meeting passionate peers and professionals, and, of course, having the immense privilege to present and discuss the case with sitting ICJ judges, was such a joy. I strongly owe this positive experience to our wonderful team, to whom I am deeply grateful to now call friends. ”
Ms Lucia Maori being awarded Best Oralist
Mr Renault added:
“I will never forget the moment I stood up and began pleading in front of some of the most important judges in the world. When we started working on the case over a year ago, I could never have imagined we would come this far in the competition. But with dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, everything feels within reach! I am immensely proud of the team and myself for what we have achieved and for bringing these results back to the University of Luxembourg, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported us throughout this journey.”
Mr Noan Renault during the competition
Behind these outstanding results lies an extraordinary amount of hard work, preparation, dedication, and sacrifice by the students and their coaches, as well as the strong support of the University of Luxembourg and the many volunteers from academia and practice who assisted the team throughout their Moot Court training.
The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance congratulates the team on this impressive achievement. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Mahulena Hofmann, Moot Court Coordinator Dr Susana Muñoz, Dr Gabrielle Leterre, and Ms Theodora Liameti, whose guidance and support were instrumental to the team’s success.
© Photo credit: IISL