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This workshop is dedicated to the science opportunities enabled by the unique capabilities of “MAVIS" - a new MCAO-Assisted Imager and Spectrograph for the VLT, currently undergoing a Phase-A study for ESO. This workshop will be an opportunity to bring together the scientific community connected with MAVIS to discuss the key science topics that can be addressed, with a view to building a refined science case for the instrument, and identifying key MAVIS observing programs that will deliver high-impact science. This workshop mirrors the format of the corresponding science workshop in Florence, November 4-8th. These workshops are a key opportunity to help shape the science case and capabilities of this future VLT facility instrument, as well as to establish important collaborative links within the MAVIS science community that will be crucial to the success of the project.

Goals of the workshop

• Mature/advance our instrument and science case ideas with the view of writing the proposal

• Exchange and interaction between MAVIS community scientists

• Review the various instrumental concepts (optical design, alternative design ideas)

• Consolidate the science case and prepare the detailed writing of the Phase A Science Case.

Program Overview

Over the three days, we will present project and technical updates, have a series of invited and proposed science talks, and dedicate time for discussion and prioritisation of the key science goals for MAVIS.

Below we give an initial breakdown of the workshop content. This will evolve as the SOC finalises the program:

Project and Instrument Sessions

• Updates on the project progression and timelines

• AO Simulation and Performance

• Current instrument concept

• Project next steps - the path to Phase A

Science Sessions

• The Birth, Life, and Death of Stars and Their Planets

• Star Clusters as Tracers of Galaxy Processes Within the Local Group

• Resolving the contents of external galaxies

• Probing higher redshifts

Planning Sessions

• Constructing the MAVIS Science Case

• Prioritising MAVIS Science Cases

• Key MAVIS Observing Programmes

Invited Speakers

• Rob Basset (Swinburne University of Technology)

• Holger Baumgardt (University of Queensland)

• Luca Cortese (ICRAR/University of Western Australia)

• Deanne Fisher (Swinburne University of Technology)

• Devika Kamath (Macquarie University)

• Trevor Mendel (Australian National University)

• Gayandhi de Silva (AAO-MQ/Macquarie University)

• Sarah Sweet (Swinburne University of Technology)

Venue and accomodations

The workshop will be held at Macquarie University campus in North Ryde, Sydney. This location is easily accessible by train/metro (or taxi) from the airport. There is convenient accommodation nearby, and it is also accessible from the Sydney city centre.