Star Formation and the Evolution of Galaxies

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Star Formation and the Evolution of Galaxies - This project will utilise a number of cutting edge molecular line surveys to map the Galaxy-wide distribution of molecular material and link this to the larger scale structural features of the Milky Way, such as the spiral arms and central Galactic bar. This work will provide a detailed picture of the distribution and dynamics of the molecular gas on scales of whole giant molecular cloud (GMCs) complexes (>100s pc) down to the scales of dense clumps (~1 pc), which is the fundamental star-forming unit. Combining these results with detailed studies of the star forming properties of dense clumps will provide a physical link between star formation taking place on parsec scales and the large-scale dynamics of the Milky Way (kpc scales). This will be used to investigate the role spiral arms play in the formation of GMCs and in the star formation processes, which ultimately drives galactic evolution."