Conference title: "SZXHuntsville 2011: Cosmology with X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect Observations of galaxy clusters"

了解宇宙的起源，宇宙学，是人类的基本努力之一。 对星系团的密切研究仍然是这一追求的关键因素。 这次会议的目的是首次聚集世界各地的科学家，研究宇宙学与X射线，Suyaev-Zel'dovich效应（SZE）和相关的星系团天文观测。星系团的一个重要特征是巨大的体积和质量的热气体渗透到成员星系之间的空间。这种热气体在X射线中是可见的，并且足够大，以至于它导致宇宙诞生时剩余的光--被称为宇宙微波背景（CMB）--向光谱的蓝端轻微移动。 CMB的这种轻微移动是可以检测到的，可以用来定位大范围距离内的大型星系团，并测量描述和表征宇宙起源的重要宇宙学参数。这次会议将汇集许多参与当前X射线和SZE实验的美国和国际科学家，讨论当前的进展，最新的结果和许多剩余的难题。这次会议的独特之处是促进科学家们关注不同观测方法的互动（即，X光、SZE等），让社会人士透过结合这些不同方法的知识基础，获得更深入的见解。建议的四天会议以工作坊形式举行，以便在每次讲座和每次会议后有足够时间进行实质性讨论。 一个关键目标是让学生和应届毕业生参与进来。NSF资助了会议总估计费用的25%，将主要支持30名学生和应届毕业生参加会议的适度差旅费。 组织者正在努力招募演讲者，参与者和来自科学领域代表性不足的群体的学生。 组织者还将制作一卷会议记录，包括所有口头和海报介绍。 在美国举行这次会议将使许多美国学生和科学家受益，否则他们将无法参加海外类似或相关的会议。 最后，拟议的努力应该对年轻STEM研究人员的培训产生实质性影响，并将他们与国际合作者联系起来-支持以下两个NSF战略目标：准备和参与多元化的STEM劳动力，激励他们参与前沿。 通过增加国际伙伴关系和合作，保持美国在知识前沿的全球竞争力。

Understanding the origin of the Universe, cosmology, is one of humankind's fundamental endeavors. Close study of clusters of galaxies remains a critical element in this pursuit. The aim of this conference is for the first time to gather scientists worldwide for the study of cosmology with X-ray, Suyaev-Zel'dovich Effect (SZE) and associated astronomical observations of clusters.One important feature of clusters of galaxies is the huge volume and mass of hot gas that permeates the space between member galaxies. This hot gas is visible in X-rays and is substantial enough that it causes the light remaining from the birth of the Universe---known as the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)---to shift ever so slightly toward the blue end of the light spectrum. This slight shift of the CMB is detectable and can be used to locate large clusters of galaxies over a wide range of distances and to measure important cosmological parameters that describe and characterize the origin of the Universe. This conference will bring together many American and international scientists involved in current X-ray and SZE experiments to discuss current progress, the latest results, and the many remaining puzzles. The unique aspect of this conference is to facilitate interactions of scientists focused on different observational approaches (i.e., X-ray, SZE, others) so that the community will gain greater insight by combining the knowledge base of these different approaches.The proposed four-day conference is structured as a workshop to allow ample time for substantial discussions following each talk and each session. A key objective is to involve students and recent graduates. NSF, which is funding about 25% of the total estimated cost of the conference, will be primarily supporting the modest travel expenses of 30 students and recent graduates to attend the conference. The organizers are committing substantial effort to recruit speakers, participants, and students from groups underrepresented in the sciences. The organizers will also produce a volume of the proceedings, including all oral and poster presentations. Holding this conference in the United States will benefit many US students and scientists who would otherwise be unable to attend a similar or related conference overseas. Finally, the proposed effort should have a substantial impact on the training of young STEM researchers and to connect them with international collaborators---supporting the two NSF Strategic Goals that follow: To prepare and engage a diverse STEM workforce motivated to participate at the frontiers. To keep the United States globally competitive at the frontiers of knowledge by increasing international partnerships and collaborations.