JWST is transforming extragalactic astronomy by delivering unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution across the near- and mid-infrared. Early observations already reveal rapid stellar mass buildup, complex morphologies, diverse dust and ISM conditions, and a richer-than-expected population of evolved and actively star-forming systems in the first billion years.
In this talk, I will highlight key advances from major JWST extragalactic surveys—COSMOS-Web, CEERS, and JADES/MIDIS—focusing on the emerging picture of early galaxy growth. I will discuss results on the emergence of luminous red galaxies (LRDs) at z > 4, the identification of robust galaxy candidates at z > 10, and evidence for early AGN and growing black holes. I will also touch on new insights into dust and metal enrichment in early galaxies, and outline how these findings inform current models of early galaxy formation.
Santosh Harish, a native of Bangalore, completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Information Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University. Driven by a deep interest in astronomy, he pursued several research internships in Germany and Portugal, and spent time as a visiting student at the Raman Research Institute (RRI). He earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Arizona State University in 2022, where his research centered on emission-line galaxies and the physical processes shaping galaxies at high redshift.
Santosh is a member of several major international collaborations (such as COSMOS) and has played a significant role in JWST survey programs aimed at characterizing galaxies across the cosmic timeline.
The meeting will happen at 2025-12-05T12:30:00Z on this meeting link - https://meet.google.com/dxy-nzpt-mgg