Abstract

Cosmic rays are a key ingredient in many fields of Astrophysics and in particular in Star Formation, but despite their great relevance our understanding is still relatively incomplete. Thanks to the data delivered by the new generation of radio and (sub)millimeter telescopes, we have now the opportunity of attaining a comprehensive knowledge about the role of cosmic rays in the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, hence about the processes leading to star and planet formation. Observations are needed to constrain the multiple aspects of the proposed theoretical models and models are required to properly interpret observations. Despite the importance of cosmic rays in star formation, the interplay between observers, chemical modellers, and theoreticians is still missing. Therefore, the proposed workshop has the goal of bringing together experts in theory and simulations of cosmic-ray propagation, astrochemists, and observers to share ideas, discuss about recent and present results, and identify the key challenges regarding the chemistry and the physics of cosmic rays for the near future. Specific science topics include: - Role of cosmic rays in star and planet formation - Cosmic-ray fingerprints in different environments - Impact of cosmic rays on the formation of interstellar molecules: observations, models and laboratory experiments - Cosmic-ray factories: local acceleration in protostellar shocks - Cosmic rays and the origin of Life: ISM, comets, planets and early Earth The discussion arising from this workshop will settle the ground for a more efficient exploitation of the current facilities (Radionet facilities as NOEMA, IRAM 30m, APEX, Effelsberg, LOFAR, VLBI; and other such as ALMA and VLA). We stress that we expect not only participants who already work on cosmic rays, but also experts on different aspects of star formation with the aim of make everyone aware about the relevance of cosmic rays in their respective research.