The VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey: galaxy formation and evolution, 13Gyr back in cosmic time

The first phases of galaxy formation and evolution remain poorly understood and improved observational constraints are needed to test the theoretical picture and simulations. I will present the results from the VIMOS Ultra-Deep Survey (VUDS), one the latest among several surveys with VIMOS on the VLT. VUDS assembles an unprecedented sample of 7000 star-forming galaxies with spectra over the redshift range 2<z<6.5. The large satistically representative sample covers one square degree in the COSMOS, ECDFS and VVDS fields. Spectra and the wealth of multi-color photometry allow to measure unique features like the Lyman-alpha emission, the UV slope and other UV spectral lines like CIII or CIV, as well as to derive accurate physical parameters. I will discuss the most prominent results obtained so far, focusing on star formation activity with the evolution of the specific star formation rate, the evolution of the Ly-alpha properties, merging events, morphological evolution, as well as discuss specific populations identified like ultra-compact star-forming sources.