The Interstellar Medium White Paper
  The interstellar medium is the engine room for galactic evolution. While much
is known about the conditions within the ISM, many important areas regarding
the formation and evolution of the various phases of the ISM leading to star
formation, and its role in important astrophysical processes, remain to be
explained. This paper discusses several of the fundamental science problems,
placing them in context with current activities and capabilities, as well as
the future capabilities that are needed to progress them in the decade ahead.
Australia has a vibrant research community working on the interstellar medium.
This discussion gives particular emphasis to Australian involvement in
furthering their work, as part of the wider international endeavour.
  The particular science programs that are outlined in this White Paper include
the formation of molecular clouds, the ISM of the Galactic nucleus, the origin
of gamma-rays and cosmic rays, high mass star and cluster formation, the dense
molecular medium, galaxy evolution and the diffuse atomic medium, supernova
remnants, the role of magnetism and turbulence in the Galactic ecology and
complex organic molecules in space.
