MEGAWEB

Galaxy proto-clusters, the progenitors of galaxy clusters, form within the massive nodes of the cosmic web at early cosmic epochs. Representing the most massive structures in the early Universe, proto-clusters play an essential role in the cosmic star formation history, and are ideal laboratories for studying how environment shapes galaxy formation and evolution. However, despite their crucial role in cluster and massive galaxy formation, the term “proto-cluster” remains debated, the evolutionary picture elusive, and the role of the environment poorly understood. Leveraging recent advancements in multiwavelength astronomy and cosmological simulations, I propose the MEGAWEB project to address these challenges. Utilizing exquisite data from JWST, Euclid, submm and radio telescopes, MEGAWEB will (1) deliver a statistically robust and homogeneous sample of proto-clusters out to z~6; (2) provide a comprehensive census of galaxy properties and dark matter content in proto-clusters; and (3) systematically characterize the large-scale environment of high-redshift massive galaxies. Furthermore, by synthesizing the observations with advanced cosmological simulations, MEGAWEB will (4) establish a complete evolutionary picture of massive structures, providing a standard diagnostic of proto-clusters. My strong expertise in proto-cluster research, deep involvement in large cosmological surveys, and excellence in supervision, place me at the forefront position to achieve these science goals as a group leader. Ultimately, MEGAWEB will properly define proto-clusters, elucidate the environment’s role in early galaxy formation, and illuminate how massive structures grow and evolve across cosmic time.