CUBES: Bringing a unique capability to ESO's VLT

I will introduce the Cassegrain U-band Efficient Spectrograph (CUBES) that will provide ESO's VLT with unrivalled sensitivity for high-resolution (R~20,000) spectroscopy at ground ultraviolet wavelengths (305-400nm). Near-UV spectroscopy provides access to a tremendous diversity of atomic transitions for neutron-capture elements, light elements, and even light-element molecules (CO, CN, OH) in stellar spectra, enabling new insights into nucleosynthesis and studies of stellar populations. The near UV is also critical in exciting topics in solar system science and extragalactic astronomy. The aim of this presentation is to introduce the technical concept and development plan for the instrument, but also to stimulate discussion/ideas on the interests and priorities from the BRIDGCE community, to feed in to the ongoing development of the CUBES science case and future observational programmes.