ECLA2020 — European Conference on Laboratory Astrophysics ECLA 2020: Linking dust, ice and gas in space

The interplay between ubiquitous dust, ice and gas in space knits an interesting tale from collapsing interstellar clouds to the formation of new stars, planets, moons and comets. Along this path the formation of complex organic molecules necessary to construct the building blocks of life brings us a step closer to the understanding of the evolution of life. The advancement in the understanding of these vast intricacies of space lies in the development of varied laboratory techniques together with astronomical observations and astrophysical modeling. The conference allows us an opportunity to ensure collaborations between scientists active in different research fields, which range from astronomy to geology and from chemistry to instrumentation. Further, new results will be discussed and ideas will be exchanged from interdisciplinary perspectives to address questions that will guide observations with the upcoming astronomical large-scale facilities, such as the James Webb Space Telescope.