Unveiling the Aromatic Universe

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) molecules are large, ubiquitous interstellar carbonaceous molecules  and their emission dominates the infrared spectrum of galactic and extragalactic objects associated with dust and gas. Yet the details of their lifecycle in space are poorly understood. In the last few years, several dedicated experimental and theoretical efforts have provided fundamental information on their spectroscopy and reactivity that has helped us to understand PAH evolution in space. In this talk I will give an overview of where we stand and what still needs to be done in the light of the «PAH revolution» that the James Webb Space Telescope will bring.