The Starburst-AGN Connection

Abstract

The issue of a starburst-AGN connection in local and distant galaxies is relevant for understanding galaxy formation and evolution, the star formation and metal enrichment history of the universe, the origin of the extragalactic background at low and high energies, and the origin of nuclear activity in galaxies. Here I review some of the observational evidence recently brought forward in favor of a connection between the starburst and AGN phenomena. I conclude by raising a number of questions concerning the exact nature of this connection.