New observational programs, from space and form the ground at
different wavelengths, are providing unprecedented data
on the properties of galaxies as they were when the universe was only 
a few billion years old.
This opens a new era in the study of galaxy formation and evolution 
within the cosmological model dominated by dark matter and dark energy.
Together with the rapid advance in our theoretical understanding and 
supercomputer modeling,
this allows for breakthroughs in our understanding of how galaxies 
have formed and evolved.
The two-week workshop brings together world experts to study the 
major open issues in the theory of galaxy formation.
The program consists of a daily organized discussion session followed 
by collaborative work in small groups.