Currently the following working groups exist for discussing science that needs a disruptive upgrade of ALMA in the 2040s. They are open to all members in the community. Activities of the working groups are coordinated by two leads. This effort is geared towards a proposal for the call as part of the ESO Expanding Horizons effort.
High Redshift Universe led by Tom Bakx (Chalmers) & Francesca Rizzo (U. Groningen)
Studies galaxies, supermassive black holes, and large-scale structure from the earliest observable epochs (z > 15) to the nearby universe (z ~ 0.3).
Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) led by Roberto Decarli (INAF Bologna) & Miguel Pereira Santaella (IFF-CSIC)
Explores the structure, environment, and evolution of AGN across cosmic time, and their impact on host galaxies.
Cosmology and Fundamental Physics led by Violette Impellizeri (Leiden U.) & Hannah Stacey (ESO)
Investigates topics such as fundamental constants and the nature of dark matter; probes such as gravitational lensing; EHT applications.
Local Universe led by Jan Forbrich (U. Herfordshire) & Miguel Querejeta (OAN)
Examines the structure, kinematics, and environment of galaxies in the Local Group and beyond (z < 0.3), bridging detailed Milky Way studies with observations of distant galaxies.
Inter-Stellar Medium & Star Formation led by Maite Beltran (INAF-Firenze) & Jes Jørgensen (Copenhagen)
Probes the physics and chemistry of the Galactic ISM to understand star formation, from circumstellar disks to chemical complexity across environments.
Planet Formation led by Luca Matrà (Trinity College) & Catherine Walsh (U. of Leeds)
Studies the formation and evolution of planetary systems, from protostellar disks to mature planetesimal belts, using continuum and molecular line observations to trace dust, gas, and dynamics.
Sun and Stars led by Wouter Vlemmings/Theo Khouri (Chalmers) & Sven Wedemeyer (U. Oslo)
Uses solar and stellar observations to study atmospheres, magnetic activity, and late-stage evolution, including processes that drive enrichment and dust production.
Transients and Time-Domain Astronomy led by Kuo Liu (MPIfR) & Karri Koljonen (NTNU)
Explores the sub-mm regime promise for time-domain studies of pulsars, neutron stars, black holes, FRBs, GRBs, supernovae, and other fast transients.
Solar System Bodies and Exoplanets led by Arianna Piccialli (BIRA-IASB) & Miriam Rengel (MPS)
Investigates planetary atmospheres, moons, asteroids, comets, and exoplanets, focusing on formation, evolution, and comparative planetology.
Science & System Requirements (SSRWG) led by Maria Diaz Trigo (ESO) & Martina Wiedner (Obs. de Paris)
This TWG works closely with all SWGs to define unified science requirements and derive high-level system and performance requirements, including antenna configurations. The SSRWG forms the central interface between science and technical development.
Instrument (IWG) led by Andrey Barashev (Groningen) & Peter Huggard (RAL)
This TWG is responsible for evaluating and defining the instrumentation needed for a next-generation facility, including antennas, receiver systems, correlator design, firmware, and real-time control systems. Cost efficiency in construction and operations is a key consideration.
Operations (OWG) led by Elizabeth Humphreys (ESO) & Gergö Popping (ESO)
This TWG explores operational models for the facility, including multi-messenger coordination, sustainability and environmental considerations, maintenance models, and pathways for high operational efficiency.
Data Archiving and Processing Working Group (DAPWG) led by TBA
This TWG defines requirements for off-line processing, calibration, data archiving, data management, and the science archive to ensure a robust and efficient end-to-end data flow. Any researcher interested in this TWG, in particular its leadership, please contact any member of the steering committee.