ESO DOI Service

• Chauvin, Gael [Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Germany; J.-L. Lagrange Laboratory, Côte d’Azur Observatory, France]

The ExoELT-2025 community workshop, held at ESO’s headquarters in Garching, Germany, in November 2025, brought together more than 170 participants to review the scientific readiness of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) for studies of planet formation and exoplanets ahead of its first light by the end of this decade. The workshop presented the status and performance of the ELT and its instruments and discussed key science cases, ranging from planet-forming discs and protoplanets to exoplanet demographics and atmospheric characterisation. The unique capabilities of the ELT as regards spatial resolution, sensitivity and instrument versatility were highlighted, together with strong synergies with existing and future ground- and space-based facilities. The workshop fostered community coordination, promoted early-career researchers and identified priorities and challenges for maximisng the scientific return of the ELT.