The conference "Deciphering the Cosmic Code for Galaxy Formation" brought together 80 leading researchers in the field of galactic simulations, essential tools that act as bridges between astronomical observations and theories, facilitating the study of galaxy formation and evolution, making visible what is not possible with other instruments. During the event, various topics were addressed to understand the universe. This important scientific gathering took place in Puerto Varas from December 9 to 13, 2024.
The meeting focused on key topics such as gas and metal recycling between galaxies, the evolution of stellar populations and galactic morphologies, and the fossils of galactic assembly, from stellar halos to intracluster light. Advances in supernova and black hole feedback were also discussed, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating the analysis of complex data and connecting findings from different sources and wavelengths.
Held at the Cumbres Hotel, the event stood out for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating cutting-edge observations with theoretical models and numerical simulations. Among the keynote speakers were Volker Springel from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, creator of fundamental programming codes used in galactic simulations, and Sara Ellison, an expert in data analysis and scaling relationships across different variables, from the University of Victoria in Canada. The event's program included 57 scientific presentations, 19 posters from master's students, and multiple open debates that enriched the exchange of ideas with experts from the University of Cambridge, Harvard, Texas, Durham, São Paulo, among others, as well as from the Observatories of Rome, Tartu, and ESO.
As part of the outreach activities, Dr. Patricia Tissera from PUC, organizer of the event, gave a public talk titled “Creating Universes” at the Molino Machmar Art Center (CAMM), where she explored the processes that shape galaxies and their relevance in our understanding of the cosmos.
The conference not only strengthened international scientific collaboration but also left an impact on the local community, inspiring new perspectives on our relationship with the universe and marking a milestone in astronomy by bringing together the most advanced technological and theoretical tools to explore the mysteries of the cosmos.