Brno became the center of the global astronomical community thanks to the international conference Galaxies at Crossroads (original title GALAXIES AT CROSSROADS: OUTFLOWS AND IMF IN THE VLT/ELT/ALMA/JWST ERA). The workshop took place from September 16 to 20, 2024, and was one of the few officially approved workshops by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). It was organized by Tereza Jeřábková from ESO, who will be joining the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in February 2025, thanks to her MUNI Award in Science and Humanities (MASH).
“We were thrilled that ESO selected this workshop as an official event, reflecting the significance of the topics discussed and the collaboration we aimed to support,” said Jeřábková.
This prestigious event attracted experts from around the world who gathered in Brno to discuss new discoveries in the area of galaxy growth and evolution. They focused primarily on the key processes influencing this development.
One of the most fascinating topics of the workshop was the recent discoveries made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Participants examined groundbreaking findings about massive galaxies that formed “only” a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. These galaxies, which host supermassive black holes, grew much faster than scientists previously anticipated. The rapid growth of galaxies in the early universe and the related processes were among the main topics of the workshop.
Norbert Werner, a key organizer and head of the High-Energy Astrophysics Group at the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University, emphasized the significance of these discoveries. “Recent discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope suggest that galaxies and supermassive black holes grew much faster after the universe's formation than we previously thought. This leads us to reassess some of the fundamental assumptions about galaxy evolution. The workshop was incredibly inspiring, as it allowed us to discuss these surprising results,” Werner noted, thanking the Brno Observatory and Planetarium for hosting the conference in their beautiful spaces.
Participants also discussed the ongoing interaction of galaxies, including our Milky Way, with their surroundings. One of the key topics was galactic outflows – streams of gas expelled from galaxies due to star formation and black hole activity. These outflows shape the future of galaxies and influence how many new stars can form.
Another important topic was the Initial Mass Function (IMF), which describes how stars of different sizes are born. Understanding the IMF allows scientists to better comprehend how galaxies create essential elements like carbon and oxygen, and how much gas is converted into stars. The workshop also focused on the Mass-Metallicity Relation (MZR), which links the size of a galaxy to its content of heavier elements. This helps scientists understand how galaxies evolve over time.
The workshop was not only about expanding our knowledge of galaxy evolution but also about creating connections between scientists. By bringing together early-career scientists with experienced experts, the event provided a space where new ideas could flourish.
Tereza Jeřábková expressed her enthusiasm for the event's success: “It was an honor to organize such a significant workshop in Brno and witness the vibrant exchange of ideas between scientists at different stages of their careers. We welcomed participants from all over the world – from Australia, Chile, the USA, and Europe – and everyone appreciated the unique atmosphere of the city and the planetarium. This workshop strengthened Masaryk University’s position as a growing institution with great potential and opened the door to exciting collaborations with Austrian institutions, such as the University of Vienna and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA),” Jeřábková concluded.
As Jorryt Matthee, an organizer from ISTA, noted: “Although participants presented many interesting results from their previous research, I will personally remember this event as a conference focused on the future. We discussed new connections between historically separate communities and various growing institutions in the heart of Europe,” Matthee concluded.
Glenn van de Ven from the University of Vienna expressed his excitement not only about the expected scientific collaboration between the two institutions but also about the future cooperation between PhD students in astrophysics at Masaryk University and the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS).
‘For me as a student, it was an enriching experience. I met leading experts, had the opportunity to moderate sessions, and help with the organization. Because of this, I truly felt like a part of the global scientific community,’ shared her impressions Monika Pikhartová, a doctoral student in the Astrophysics program at the Faculty of Science at MU.
Now a doctoral student in Astrophysics at the same faculty, Matěj Bárta added that due to his master's thesis, which he conducted in collaboration with the European Southern Observatory and the Czech Academy of Sciences, he gained the rare opportunity to present the results of his research at an international conference. This is an experience that few master's students encounter.
Diversity was a key element in the planning of the workshop. The organizers ensured that both male and female scientists were equally represented, and at various career stages. This helped create an environment where young scientists felt comfortable and contributed actively to discussions. The program was also designed to allow ample time for conversations and debates, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. This inclusive approach not only fostered meaningful engagement among all participants but also created a sense of community among the scientists, regardless of whether they were presenting cutting-edge research or were just starting their careers.
The choice of Brno as the workshop venue was no coincidence. Its proximity to Vienna and the broader scientific scene in Austria makes it an ideal place to foster collaboration between key institutions.
“Brno's geographical location and its growing scientific reputation make it an ideal meeting place for scientists. This workshop opened doors to new partnerships between Masaryk University and nearby institutions and ensured that Brno will continue to strengthen its role as a significant player on the European scientific stage,” Jeřábková concluded.
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