Contributions from X-ray and gamma-ray observations

The creation of the elements in the big bang, and subsequently in stars, is the primary focus of this conference series. The cycle of nucleosynthesis as an ongoing process of chemical enrichment of the gas inside and between galaxies is also one of the leading themes of space-based research sponsored by NASA, ESA. and other international space agencies. The impact of space observatories, such as ASCA, Chandra, Compton, Hubble, Rosat, and Newton, on our understanding of nucleosynthesis in the Milky Way and throughout the Universe has been tremendous, and has complemented the breakthroughs accomplished with large aperture ground-based observatories. X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy provide unique tools for the study of "Nuclei In the Cosmos". Here we emphasize the connection between gamma-ray astronomy and star formation in the Milky Way and the universe as a whole.