Conference: First Stars VII

The "First Stars" conference series, which started in 1999 and takes place every four years, has focused on the observations, simulations, and theory of the formation of the first stars and galaxies in the universe. The PIs will organize the next iteration of the conference, First Stars VII, in May 2024 at the Flatiron Institute in New York city. This conference will focus on (i) the abundance, properties, and fate of Population III stars with a connection to near-field probes, (ii) the nature of the first galaxies, (iii) pathways for massive black hole formation and growth, and the first quasars, (iv) reionization and heating of the early intergalactic medium (IGM), (v) chemical enrichment inside and outside galaxies, (vi) gravitational waves as a window to high redshift, and (vii) connecting the high- and low-redshift universe. This grant will support the participation of primarily junior scientists on a need-based basis.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.