Stellar evolution is at the heart of astronomy and astrophysics. It is the link between both larger and smaller length-scales and larger and smaller mass-scales. Stars are fundamental to almost all astrophysics, be it the origin of interstellar grains, the most energetic events in the Universe, or the structure of galaxies themselves. No aspect of stars can be considered independent of the birth, death and evolution of the star. Clearly such a huge body of work and the innumerable implications and applications require a Commission rather than a smaller organizational structure. Indeed, in many respects “stellar evolution” can be considered to be the major component of Division G “Stars”.

The main goals of the Commission are:

• To promote both theoretical and observational studies of stars and stellar populations

• To stimulate the interaction between theorists and observers to direct efforts to

solving specific problems

• To elucidate and promote nucleosynthesis and nuclear physics processes in stars

• To understand the fundamental physics of stars that affects stellar evolution

• To unite and improve communication between researchers in various fields related to stellar evolution (eg atomic physics, seismology, hydrodynamics)

Specific topics include, but are not limited to:

• Stellar Models

• Input physics

• Nucleosynthesis

• Convection, Mixing and Hydrodynamical Processes in Stars, Mass Loss

• Relevant Numerical Techniques

• Binary Stellar Evolution, including novae, SNIa, XRB, GRB etc

• Final Stages of Stellar Evolution (SNe, WDs, Post-AGB, PN etc)

• Abundance Determination

• Asteroseismology

• Stellar Populations (synthesis and observation)

Work plan for the next tri-ennium:

• development of multi-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations and application to stellar models and evolution

• high precision solar and stellar models

• detailed nucleosynthesis

• applications of stellar seismology to determining the interior structure and evolution of stars across the HR diagram (as well as the Sun)

Note: Malpractice (or good practice) in the astronomical community can be reported anonymously to the IAU Division G Ombud.