Manda Banerji

Abstract:  Feedback from active supermassive black holes is widely invoked in galaxy formation models to explain the observed properties of galaxies today. Despite this, many aspects of the physics by which accretion and outflows on sub-parsec scales around the black hole connect to the kiloparsec scale host properties, remain largely mysterious. High redshift quasars at the peak epoch of galaxy formation and beyond are arguably the systems where feedback processes should be most effective. However these are also the systems where it is particularly challenging to get information about their host galaxies. With unprecedented new capabilities in wide-field imaging and spectroscopy as well as rich archival datasets from multi-wavelength observatories, we are now starting to make the connection between supermassive black holes and the wider properties of their host galaxies. I will describe our efforts to characterise the accretion and outflow demographics in large statistical samples of luminous quasars at redshifts of >1.5 and to link to their multi-wavelength host galaxy properties. I will also discuss our plans to extend these quasar demographic studies with new spectroscopic surveys using the VISTA 4MOST and VLT-MOONS instruments as well as exciting prospects for studying high-redshift quasar host galaxies using ground-based imaging e.g. with the upcoming Rubin Legacy Survey of Space Time (LSST). I will end with some reflections on how large collaborations such as LSST can be vehicles for culture change and help further the equity, diversity and inclusivity agenda in our community.