New approaches to dark matter in galaxies and the Local Group (25w2034)

The Banff International Research Station will host the “New approaches to dark matter in galaxies and the Local Group” workshop in Banff from August 22 - 24, 2025.

What is the nature of dark matter, and how does it shape the galaxies we see in the Universe today? These are some of the most profound mysteries in physics, and the focus of an upcoming workshop bringing together experts from physics, astronomy, and statistics at the Banff International Research Station. The workshop will explore how cutting-edge cosmological simulations, state-of-the-art statistical techniques, and upcoming astronomical data can help reveal the hidden nature of dark matter.

While we cannot see dark matter directly, we can infer its existence from its gravitational effects on ordinary matter. By focusing on our cosmic neighborhood—the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way—this workshop aims to develop new ways to interpret data and test theories about dark matter's fundamental properties. The event will foster collaboration across disciplines and could play a key role in the effort to uncover the true nature of this mysterious component of our Universe.

The Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) is a collaborative Canada-US-Mexico venture that provides an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station is located at The Banff Centre in Alberta and is supported by Canada’s Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), and Alberta’s Advanced Education and Technology.