Atomic Data for the Next Generation of Astrophysical Spectroscopy

Atomic data are the foundation of astrophysical spectroscopy. Our ability to extract physical meaning from spectra depends critically on the availability and accuracy of atomic parameters. Yet these data, even for the most astrophysically-important elements, are often incomplete, low-accuracy, or based on decades- old measurements. New instruments and upcoming facilities are exposing the limitations of existing atomic datasets and placing renewed pressure on laboratory astrophysics to deliver the precision and completeness required for modern analyses. Despite the increasing need for high-accuracy atomic data, laboratory astrophysics faces an uncertain future, with a shrinking number of laboratories worldwide, loss of expertise, and chronic underfunding of atomic data research. The accelerating pace of observational astronomy is outstripping the atomic data available to support it; without coordinated international effort, this disparity will seriously undermine the scientific return of next-generation instruments. Atomic data must be treated as critical infrastructure for the next generation of astrophysical research. As ESO plans the future of the VLT/I in the ELT era, there is a unique opportunity to embed atomic data needs into instrument design, science planning, and community support. This talk will outline a vision for sustainingand expanding atomic data capabilities to ensure that spectroscopy remains a powerful and reliable tool for discovery in the decades ahead.