Star Formation and Galaxy Evolution
Galaxies grow and evolve through successive episodes of star formation; central to this picture are therefore the flows of gas that feed the interstellar medium, the processes that regulate the formation of stars, and the energetic feedback that returns material and energy to the larger scale environment. Our understanding of star formation and galaxy evolution are therefore deeply intertwined, with the large range of physical scales and processes which must be considered posing an interesting challenge.
The focus of the new department will be to deliver the strong observational base, in particular at (sub)mm/radio wavelengths, that is required to study the connection of galaxies with their large-scale gaseous environments and the cosmic web, the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, and the drivers of star formation across all environments and scales, from the Milky Way, to nearby galaxies and the early Universe.