From the production of the first dust grains to the growth of supermassive black holes, paradigms of galaxy evolution in the z > 1 cosmos that were once thought fixed are now being contested.  Our goal is to reconceptualize our long held assumptions in light of new observations and theory, and we welcome applicants from all research areas.  A goal of this conference is to collectively co-author a white paper on the most pressing paradigms in our field challenged by new results. 

As galaxy evolution is revitalized, so too is the culture of astronomy through new ways of creating, collaborating, and sharing knowledge.  This workshop places equal emphasis on challenging scientific paradigms and critically inspecting and bettering our ways of doing science.  Participants will be empowered to lead workshops, hacks, and discussions dedicated to topics such as inclusion, climate change, and outreach.  A goal of this conference is to collectively co-author a white paper on the state of our community. 

The agenda components will be participant-driven with some curated unconference-style sessions: 

• Pre-Existing Foundation: review talks that provide the historicity and context for a given scientific paradigm related to galaxy evolution, designed to cover collective knowledge creation up until recent developments (i.e. AGN evolution, Quiescent Galaxy Formation, Re-ionization, Dust Evolution, etc…)

• Late-Breaking State of the Field: review talks on recent developments (i.e. observations, theory …) that challenge, test or potentially break these given scientific paradigms. This is designed to bring everyone up to speed on topics directly related to the underlying assumptions identified for some of the collaborative sessions.

• New Directions: parallel discussions centered around addressing underlying assumptions (both scientific and cultural themes), with a focus on collective idea generation, creative brainstorming, building frameworks or hypotheses, and identifying knowledge gaps. The goal is to inform the topics/focus of the Community Creation portions.

• Community Creation: small parallel workshops focused on specific and topically relevant deliverables, delivered in a hack or teach-in style, designed to both create community among participants and collectively create a deliverable such as a tool, framework, lesson plan, proposal, or skill

• R&R (Rest & Recreation): flexible, built-in “choose your own adventure” time, in parallel with the Community Creation workshops, designed as free or rest time, more organized networking or social time, or continuation of Community Creation projects from previous days if more time is needed (a low sensory/quiet room will be available at all times)

Check out the FAQ's to learn more out what to expect at an unconference!