Rationale of the conference

 Since the composition and condition of matter in the early universe, which is dominated by neutral light elements, is significantly different from that of the present, the formation process of the first stars and the formation of the first galaxies follows a unique evolutionary path. During the formation of the first stars and first galaxies, they were contaminated by heavy elements and the composition gradually approached that of the present-day Universe. Theoretical models of cosmological evolution have been constructed based on simplified models of processes, and have successfully explained various observations. However, the recent observations of the more sensitive and more distant Universe by the JWST and other modern instruments report a different situation from the theoretical predictions of the cosmological evolution developed with previous knowledge, suggesting that further aspects require consideration for understanding the evolution of the Universe. 

 One aim of this workshop is to summarise the latest observations of the distant Universe approaching the first galaxies and first stars, and previous studies of cosmological numerical calculations, theoretical studies of first stars, and first galaxy formation to understand the current status and share unresolved problems. In particular, we focus on the impact of the ‘’material circulation‘’, in which heavy elements produced by the first stars and ejected into space circulate through the next generation of star formation, galaxy formation, and galaxy cluster formation, on the formation of the structure of the next generation. We believe that it will be useful to share current knowledge of star formation, stellar evolution, and galaxy formation, and to identify differences and similarities with first stars and first galaxies. The workshop aims to construct a cosmological evolution theory consistent with the latest observations. To this end, it will refer to the mechanisms of matter circulation in the nearby Universe, whose detailed structure is well understood.  

This meeting is organized as part of the joint research agreement between the MPA and NINS and is intended to examine the research seeds for developing a more concrete research plan. A meeting related to the MPI-NAOJ collaboration will also be held at the NAOJ on the 13th and 14th, which are consecutive to this workshop. 

If you are interested in joining the topical meeting at NAOJ, please feel free to contact us. We will open the website for the topical meeting site, soon.

Important dates

2025/3/13: presentation materials are open. (on the program page)

2025/3/11: conference photo is open

2025/3/10-12: start meeting

2025/2/14: Program will be circulated

2025/1/31: Deadline for registration

2025/1/6: Homepage and registration open