The exploitation of large scale surveys, such as Gaia, PanStarrs, 2MASS, and many others, will lead to new perspectives on the formation of our Galaxy. The step from the observations to the theoretical understanding is however a great challenge. It involves modeling of many different physical processes, including star formation, chemical evolution and dynamics. The resolution of this puzzle requires exchange between astrophysics experts in each of these physical aspects. The topics of this conference span a wide range from the Halo of the Milky Way, the thin and the thick disc, the galactic Bulge, star formation and interstellar medium and will cover also large scale and/or dedicated observations of our Galaxy as well as different approaches of Galaxy models. The link between these different topics will give a fresh view on the formation and evolution of our Galaxy and allow to use the Milky Way as better calibrator of extragalactic systems. This meeting will be a starting point to assemble the international community already preparing and required the exploitation of the Gaia data.

Registrations open late November.

Pre-register now on the website : http://mw2011.obs-besancon.fr

Céline Reylé, on behalf of the SOC