Modern techniques applied to the Extragalactic Distance Scale have recently enabled a measurement of the local expansion rate of the Universe (H0) with a total uncertainty approaching 2%. In the current era of "precision cosmology", further improvements in the precision and accuracy this measurement are highly desirable. The comparison of local measurements of H0 with predictions based on observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations serves as a stringent test of the assumed cosmological model. Furthermore, H0 provides needed additional constraints on the equation of state of dark energy and other cosmological parameters.
This programme will bring together experts on the theory and observation of “classical” distance indicators as well as those engaged in alternative routes to H0. Given the increasingly important role of astro-statistical techniques in our field (such as data mining, machine-learning classification, etc.), we will include experts on this area. Some of the topics that we propose to discuss are: