Scientific Topics

Topic 1: Chemical and Physical processes in the ISM

• Molecular clouds: ices and their processing
• Low temperature dust formation and cold gas phase reactions
• Dynamics of PDRs: PAHs, H₂ and other molecules
• Bridging the grain-gas gap
• Diffuse ISM: DIBs, evolution of dust
• ISM in external galaxies: the impact of extreme conditions on gas and dust

Topic 2: Star formation and molecular complexity

• Tracing the early stages of star formation
• Complex organic molecules (COMs) in star forming regions: census
• Formation of COMs: the interplay between gas-phase and grain chemistry

Topic 3: Evolved stars: from molecules to dust

• Spectroscopy and molecular inventory
• Dust nucleation and growth: AGB stars
• Dust processing and destruction: planetary nebulae and supernovae
• Dust formation in external galaxies

Topic 4: From Protoplanetary disks to the early Solar system

• Dynamics and chemistry of disks and formation of planets
• Comets, exo-comets, asteroids: observations and exploration
• Chemical links between comets and star forming regions
• Analysis of meteorites and IDPs
• Formation of prebiotic molecules on planetary surfaces

Topic 5: Planets and exoplanets

• Surfaces: e.g. Mercury, Mars, icy satellites and moons, Pluto
• Planetary atmospheres: haze and complex chemistry (e.g. Titan, Jupiter)
• Atmosphere-surface coupling
• Identification and detection of biomarkers
• Architectures of exoplanetary systems and atmospheric characteristics of exoplanets
• Plumes and oceans

Topic 6: Future infrastructures, new lab astro techniques and funding

• Light sources (e.g. Synchrotron, FEL)
• Ion beam facilities
• Other large facilities for laboratory astrophysics
• Future funding opportunities