Galaxies in Real Life and Simulations

The purpose of the workshop is to look at recent advances and

future prospects from observations, theory, and simulations in

our understanding of the origin and evolution of massive galaxies.

Emphasis will be given (but not restricted) to z > 1, where it is

believed that most of the stellar mass in massive galaxies was put

in place.  Extensive surveys have now well mapped the massive tail

of the galaxy population up to z ~ 1.  Observational and theoretical

focus is shifting to z > 1, largely driven by instrumental progress.

In parallel, simulations of increasingly large cosmic volumes and

resolution, and incorporating ever better constrained prescriptions

for key phenomena now provide extensive sets of testable predictions

at all cosmic epochs.  These impressive advances are bringing new

insights, many of which cause us to reconsider our current views

of distant massive galaxies, and of galaxy formation and evolution

in general.

The main objective of the workshop is to bring together researchers

from the observational and theoretical communities for a thorough

and lively discussion on this theme.  Specific goals will be to report

on the latest findings and developments, to identify (in)consistencies

between, and uncertainties of observations and models, and to consider

ways forward to make progress.  To foster fruitful exchange, the format

of the workshop will provide ample opportunities for general and informal

discussions.  The expertise of the participants will encompass diverse

and significant aspects related to massive galaxy formation/evolution.

Scientific Coordinators

Stephane Charlot

Andrea Cimatti

Natascha M. Forster Schreiber

Mariska Kriek

Joop Schaye

Rachel Somerville

Pieter van Dokkum

Workshop format

To promote discussions and active interactions, the attendance will

be limited to about 50.  The format of the workshop will include ample

time for discussion.  Several sessions are foreseen for smaller working

groups pairing observers and theorists to devise strategies to address

specific questions.  The aim of the working groups is to enable more

in-depth discussions, the outcome of which will form the basis of the

final general discussion of the meeting.

The Lorentz Center provides an ideal environment for this workshop

format, with meeting rooms and office space for participants.

Outline of topics

1. Censuses and distribution functions

2. Co-evolution of massive galaxies/AGN/QSOs/Black holes

3. Linking luminous and dark matter

4. Mass assembly and processes driving evolution (merging/infall,

   environment, star formation, feedback, dynamical processes).

5. Evolutionary synthesis modeling.