The SFB 1601 organises frequent scientific colloquia. Guests are Welcome!

Venue:

University of Cologne, Physics Institutes (Zülpicher Str. 77), Lecture Hall III


The colloquia will start with a coffee/tea reception at 01:45 pm in front of the lecture hall.

Previous Colloquia


October 14, 2025
Steven Longmore
1. Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University
2. Cosmic Origins of Life (COOL) Research DAO
The environmental dependence of star and planet formation over cosmic time

Abstract

Observations of star forming regions in the solar neighbourhood provide the empirical foundation for our current understanding of star and planet formation. In this paradigm, gas is converted into stellar systems in an environmentally independent process which can be described by “universal” dense-gas-star-formation relations. The resulting stellar systems form in isolation, and there is minimal dynamical evolution of planetary architectures after they have finished forming and left their natal environment. 

I will share recent results using the Galactic Centre as a laboratory to test this paradigm in conditions which are more cosmologically representative of the environment in which most stars in the Universe formed. We find that “universal” dense-gas-star-formation relations fail to describe the conversion of gas into stars — star formation is inhibited in collapsing gas clouds until they reach densities orders of magnitude higher than predicted critical densities. When star formation eventually begins, the proto-stellar densities are so high that stellar feedback is expected to destroy proto-planetary disks on ~Myr timescales — the epoch over which planets assemble the bulk of their mass. 

These results point to a paradigm in which environment is a key factor determining the outcome of the star and planet formation process, and the evolution of the planetary system architectures, over cosmic time. I will end by discussing the potential implications of these results in the context of where we expect to find life elsewhere in the Universe.
(Cologne, Host Peter Schilke)

October 28, 2025
Maria Jose Maureira
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching
tba

Abstract


(Cologne, Host Arshia Jacob)

November 18, 2025
Iván E. López
INAF/OAS – Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna
A Gentle Shock: How Low-Accreting Black Holes Heat Their Host’s Interstellar Medium

Abstract

Supermassive black holes spend up to 95% of their lifetimes in low-accreting states, yet their impact on galaxy evolution remains poorly understood. Low-luminosity AGN (LLAGN) can launch low-power jets and winds capable of displacing dust, driving outflows, and suppressing star formation. To tackle this problem, we adopt a twofold approach. First, we present a new SED-fitting module for LLAGN, included in the latest version of CIGALE, which enables accurate modeling of LLAGN physics and allows population studies that do not rely on extrapolations from high-luminosity AGN templates. When applied to multiwavelength surveys, this module will help constrain the AGN luminosity function at the faint end. Second, we present recent JWST observations of M58, a nearby LLAGN with a weak jet and advection-dominated accretion. These high-resolution data (~10 pc) reveal over 45 H2 lines, excited mainly by low-velocity, low-density shocks associated with the jet, along with a ~10% contribution from X-ray heating. While the ISM is broadly undisturbed, the central ~200 pc exhibits turbulent kinematics linked to low-velocity outflows. These results highlight the subtle but measurable influence of LLAGN feedback. Similar H2 signatures observed in other local LLAGN suggest that this feedback may be more widespread than previously recognized. (Cologne, Host Tatiana Rodriguez)

November 25, 2025
Robert Simon
SFB 1601 / I. Physics Institute
tba

Abstract


(Cologne)

December 12, 2025
Lea Schneider, Urs Graf, Weslley Silva, Oskar Asvany
SFB 1601 / I. Physics Institute
upGREAT in the lab: Measurement of HeH+ and OH+ at 2 THz

Abstract


(Cologne)

January 20, 2026
Mark McCaughrean
Adjunct scientist, Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg
JWST observations of galactic star-forming regions: discoveries & mysteries

Abstract


(Cologne, Host Peter Schilke)

NASA, ESA, CSA, Mark McCaughrean & Sam Pearson
The image shows the inner part of the Orion Nebula and Trapezium Cluster as seen by JWST in the near-infrared. credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Mark McCaughrean & Sam Pearson

January 27, 2026
Cristiano Porciani
SFB1601 / Argelander Institute for Astronomy
tbd

Abstract

February 3, 2025
Amélie Saintonge
Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
tbd

Abstract


available dates:


21.10.2025 – PL
04.11.2025 – PL
02.12.2025 – NOT in Cologne!
16.12.2025
13.01.2026 – PL

14.04.2026
21.04.2026
28.04.2026
05.05.2026
12.05.2026
19.05.2026
02.06.2026
09.06.2026
16.06.2026
23.06.2026
30.06.2026
07.07.2026
14.07.2026
21.07.2026