Context and aims

The IAU Symposium aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the international expertise in studying mass assembly in the Universe, focusing specifically on the low-surface-brightness (LSB) regime. This includes both observational and theoretical advances, highlighting synergies with new facilities.

Observationally, the symposium will cover the build-up of stellar halos and intracluster baryons, the structure and formation of LSB galaxies (including ultra-diffuse galaxies), and how combining data from SKA precursor surveys with deep optical imaging provides a complete view of mass assembly. Leading theory experts will review the latest high-resolution simulations and their success in reproducing these formation scenarios. 

The timing is crucial, as the GA 2027 conference occurs just as new, revolutionary all-sky imaging surveys (JWST, Euclid, Rubin-LSST) are poised to transform our understanding of galaxy physics and mass assembly across all scales. The conference will assess the current state-of-the-art observations and predictions.