The Local Group as a galaxy formation and dark matter laboratory

The Local Group offers a unique opportunity to study galaxy formation, the epoch of reionization, chemical evolution, and the nature of dark matter in our cosmic backyard, through detailed observations of resolved stellar populations. Ongoing and upcoming space missions like Gaia, Roman and large spectroscopic/photometric surveys (DESI, SDSS-V, WEAVE, PFS, 4MOST, LSST), which will bring detailed phase-space and chemical information for millions/billions of stars, will revolutionize near-field cosmology. The sheer increase in size and depth of these samples will provide valuable information to propose new astrophysical tests on the nature of the dark matter and constrain the formation of galaxies. The goal of this meeting is to bring together experts to discuss all aspects of Galactic Archaeology and dark matter research in the Local Group (galaxy formation, dynamics, chemical evolution, EMPs, first stars) and offering a platform to forge new collaborations among scientists.

Topics: Galactic Archaeology in the Milky Way and Andromeda, Chemistry: (EMP and Chemical evolution), Galaxy formation in the Local Group (simulations), Satellites of the Local Group and beyond, Dark matter (substructure & distribution)