Galaxies and AGNs

Modern astronomy has turned into a discipline which combines theory, numerical modelling and observations at all wavelengths. Studying the formation and evolution of galaxies, which is one of its major ingredients, requires surveying large patches of the sky at different wavelengths. Indeed, optical and infrared galaxy surveys are handles to study the stellar content, while radio and X-ray surveys highlight the massive black holes that inhabit galaxy centres.Understanding galaxy formation and evolution requires tracing the cosmic history of both (stars and black massive holes) components in galaxies. This is overarching theme of this research line.Participation in a number of large programmes, like ALHAMBRA, PAU, OTELO and several XMM-Newton surveys, will turn into leadership on several aspects of them. Also, participation in future X-ray astronomy missions (IXO in the long run) is a clear goal of the line.Scientific exploitation of these facilities and projects requires active participation in their design and development. We will continue to take part in the development of astronomical and space instrumentation, one of the strategic goals of CSIC, mostly through the consolidation of our activities in the provision of astronomical data analysis software and pipelines, along with a strengthening of our links with hardware teams.