Objectif Understanding how and why galaxies form and evolve is one of the most challenging problems in modern astrophysics. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, shows order and structure, as do most massive galaxies in our local neighbourhood. Yet when we look to very distant galaxies they are disordered and chaotic. The leading theory for the origin of this transformation invokes gas-rich mergers, which trigger massive starbursts leading to bulge and supermassive black hole growth. The aim of this project is to provide conclusive observational evidence to confirm or refute this fundamental theory of galaxy evolution.Considerable quantities of high quality data are now available for both local and distant galaxies; new methodology is urgently required to enable the translation of this data into an improved understanding of galaxy formation. In this project I will lead a team to develop a suite of new techniques to: (1) statistically link galaxy populations traditionally studied in isolation (starbursts, post-starbursts, mergers, remnants); (2) combine information from both the multi-wavelength spectral energy distributions and morphologies of galaxy samples; (3) visualise the information contained in multiple large datasets. My team will compare directly with merger models to interpret the data in terms of the physical processes driving galaxy evolution. The new techniques will provide stringent observational constraints on models, improve robustness of model-data comparison and highlight areas for improvement.As the only researcher with access to all four of the newest world-leading surveys for galaxy evolution, I am uniquely placed to build an integrated picture of the dominant physical processes that drive galaxy evolution over 3/4 of cosmic time. An ERC grant will allow me to build a team to fully exploit the information provided by all four surveys, through novel analysis techniques and concurrent comparison with models. Champ scientifique natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsblack holesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyphysical cosmologygalaxy evolution Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-SG-PE9 - ERC Starting Grant - Universe sciences Appel à propositions ERC-2012-StG_20111012 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Institution d’accueil THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS Contribution de l’UE € 1 430 622,00 Adresse NORTH STREET 66 COLLEGE GATE KY16 9AJ St Andrews Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région Scotland Eastern Scotland Clackmannanshire and Fife Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Trish Starrs (Ms.) Chercheur principal Vivienne Wild (Dr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE € 1 430 622,00 Adresse NORTH STREET 66 COLLEGE GATE KY16 9AJ St Andrews Voir sur la carte Région Scotland Eastern Scotland Clackmannanshire and Fife Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Trish Starrs (Ms.) Chercheur principal Vivienne Wild (Dr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée