CONSTELLATION will bring together 12 European teams and recruit 17 young researchers to attack some of the key problems concerning the origin of stellar masses. The scientific goals of the network are concentrated in three main tasks: the fragmentation and collapse of molecular clouds into clusters and aggregates of protostars; the formation of massive stars and their impact on their surrounding environment; the form of the low-mass and sub-stellar mass function, and the physical characteristics of brown dwarfs and planetary-mass free-floating objects.

The most important aspect of the scientific work is that each task combines multi-wavelength observational studies with state-of-the-art numerical simulations and theoretical modelling, making full use of the wide range of expertise, experience, and access to world-leading observational and computing resources within the network. In addition, CONSTELLATION will also involve integration with ongoing European e-science and 'virtual observatory' projects, and a unique schools-based outreach programme.

The young researchers employed in the network will enjoy exposure to and training in a broad range of problems in this key area of astronomy, with access to leading ground- and space-based observing facilities and supercomputers optimised for astrophysical fluid simulation. Through their involvement in distributed, network ed science and a series of schools, workshops, secondments, and conferences, they will gain important knowledge and experience from the CONSTELLATION network, as well as playing a central role in its success.