Laboratory Astrophysics in the Age of ALMA and JWST

The physics and chemistry of molecules in interstellar space are at the forefront of astronomical research. Almost 300 different molecular species have been identified in interstellar environments to date, ranging in size from simple diatomics to complex organic molecules and even fullerenes. The pace of new detections has been accelerating in recent years, owing to the availability of modern observatories and techniques. It has been recognized that in order to make the most of the observational data that await us in the next decades, a major push toward laboratory astrophysics – including theoretical efforts to understand fundamental astrophysical processes and modeling of interstellar and exoplanetary environments – will be needed. 

This WE-Heraeus-Seminar will bring together experts and young researchers in the emerging field of Molecular Astrophysics to discuss data needs as well as new experimental and theoretical developments to address urgent questions regarding the formation, destruction, and identification of molecules in space.

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.