NAM 2022 session: Bridging stellar interactions with galactic chemical evolution, nucleosynthesis and dust

Understanding the origin of the elements and the respective nucleosynthesis processes is key for studying the chemical evolution of galaxies and the Universe. Bridging the underlying physics in state-of-the-art stellar evolution models with nuclear networks is essential for constraining chemical tracers in galactic evolution and population synthesis models. In this era of large-scale surveys and technological development, our understanding of nuclear and stellar physics is advancing at the most opportune time, alongside key insights from observations of transients and low metallicity galaxies, as well as multi-dimensional models of stellar interiors. Understanding the effects of binary interactions from compact objects and gravitational-wave events will also have important implications for modelling chemical yields and dust formation. In galaxies, stars form, evolve, and die as supernovae and asymptotic giant branch stars, and eject elements into the interstellar medium. Evolution of stellar and gas-phase metallicities have been used to constrain the formation process of galaxies. The dust is also a repository of information on the evolution of metallicity in galaxies and of stellar evolution because many of the chemical elements condense into dust grains once they escape stellar interiors. The unprecedented near- and mid-IR coverage of the forthcoming JWST, with first data in mid-2022, will enable chemical compositions in galaxies to be probed to much higher redshifts and earlier cosmic times, but will also open a new window to studying the dust content of galaxies. A key goal of this session involves communication across neighbouring fields, where we bring together the nuclear microphysics with the large-scale effects on galaxy evolution and the chemical enrichment of the Universe. In addition to research talks, we aim to provide an opportunity for sharing detailed knowledge of input physics and code comparisons, while also connecting stellar models with nuclear reaction networks and post-processing tools. This would provide guidance for PhD students as well as deeper insight for all career stages. Related sessions have been hosted in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021 by the STFC-funded BRIDGCE network of universities in the United Kingdom (BRIdging the Disciplines of Galactic Chemical Evolution; website: www.bridgce.ac.uk), which develops synergies between UK researchers investigating the origin of the elements and the evolution of the stars and galaxies. This session is proposed to bring participants from a wider community such as from gravitational-waves and dust mineralogy, while also providing insights into modelling techniques of various codes and nuclear networks.