The Interstellar Gas in Star Forming Regions

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An understanding of the interplay between massive star formation and the properties of the interstellar gas which control it is crucial to comprehending the evolution of the universe. An element of the research plan is to investigate this interaction by observations of nearby galaxies in the millimetre lines of molecules which are tracers of conditions in the interstellar gas. In addition, theoretical computations are being undertaken to simulate the excitation effects of the shock waves produced by the formation of massive stars on the surrounding medium. In this way, it is intended to separate initial gas conditions from those that are the consequences of star formation, especially in galaxies undergoing bursts of massive star formation.