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The Physics of Galaxies 7 Gyr Ago

Objective

Over the past decade, redshift
surveys and multi-wavelength imaging campaigns have drawn up an
empirical picture of how many stars had formed in which types of
galaxies over the history of the universe. However, we have yet to
unravel the individual pathways along which galaxies evolve, and the
physical processes that drive them. Continuing with the previous
approach -- larger and deeper photometric samples -- is not adequate
to achieve this goal. A change of focus is required.

In this ERC project I will embark on a new way to address the question
of galaxy evolution. I will do so as Principle Investigator of the
recently approved LEGA-C observing program that has been allocated 128
nights of observation time over the next 4 years with ESO's flagship
facility the Very Large Telescope. This new survey will produce for
2500 distant (at z~1) galaxies with, for the first time,
sufficient resolution and S/N to measure ages and chemical
compositions of their stellar populations as well as internal velocity
dispersions and dynamical masses. This will provide an entirely new
physical description of the galaxy population 7 Gyr ago, with which I
will finally be able solve long-standing questions in galaxy formation
that were out of reach before: what is the star-formation history of
individual galaxies, why and how is star-formation ``quenched'' in
many galaxies, and to what extent do galaxies grow subsequently
through merging afterward?

LEGA-C is worldwide the largest spectroscopic survey of distant
galaxies to date, and ERC funding will be absolutely critical in
harvesting this unparallelled database. I am seeking to extend my
research group to realize the scientific potential of this substantial
investment (6.5M Eur) of observational resources by the European
astronomy community. Timing of the execution of the VLT program is
perfectly matched with the timeline of this ERC program.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2015-CoG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITEIT GENT
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 036 658,61
Address
SINT PIETERSNIEUWSTRAAT 25
9000 Gent
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 036 658,61

Beneficiaries (2)

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