Star formation at high angular resolution

The role of the SKA in high resolution observations of the formation of low and high mass stars in the Galaxy is examined. The large collecting area will have a large impact on dynamical studies at high resolution using spectral lines. The SKA will allow dramatic progress in the investigation of the ionised, atomic and molecular phases over a range of evolutionary stages. Attention is focused here on the potential of radio recombination lines, the H I 21 cm line and molecular Zeeman measurements. This combination will unveil the physical processes that drive jets and winds from young stars. Other important areas such as pre-biotic molecules, disc ablation in OB clusters and massive star formation in nearby galaxies are also briefly discussed.