We will review both theoretical and obsevational aspects of gravitational wave backgrounds of cosmological origin. We will present a classifcation of backgrounds and a quantification of our ability to use them as a probe of early Universe phenomena, opening a new observational window to energy scales well above the reach of any terrestrial means

In this seminar I will focus on how the avalanche of new data changes our views on how our Galaxy formed and evolved. Precise astrometric, spectroscopic, photometric and asteroseismic data can be combined to pin down different processes that have shaped the Milky Way. This data will be discussed and illustrated with examples of what is possible to

The previous years have witnessed a big leap forward in our understanding of the Milky Way. Thanks to the highly accurate astrometry and photometry provided by the Gaia mission in combination with large photometric and spectroscopic all-sky surveys, we have now a clearer view of the chemo-dynamics of the stellar populations that constitute our