Title: Local Analogues to high-redshift (z~5) Lyman Break Galaxies - what we can learn from 
their spectral energy distributions

Abstract:
Studying high-redshift galaxies, such as Lyman Break Galaxies (or LBGs), allows us to learn 
more about the evolution of galaxies, their impact on processes such as cosmic reionisation, 
and ultimately the origin of our own galaxy.  However, the study of such distant sources is 
complicated by their small apparent sizes and faintness. Even at z~5, where statistical 
samples can be obtained, direct observations are difficult. Interpretation can be improved by 
comparison with a more nearby population of galaxies, termed Lyman Break Analogues (LBAs). 
We have recently established a sample of faint local galaxies selected to match z~5 LBGs UV 
colours and luminosity density, and thus star-formation rate density. We are now exploring their 
properties using SED fitting against a number of stellar population synthesis models, enabling 
us to determine their dust extinction factors, stellar population ages, metallicities, star-formation 
histories and rates, and masses. This talk will focus on the results of both SED fitting (from the 
UV to FIR) and extensive spectroscopic follow-up, and insights into the role compact star-
forming galaxies at high and low redshift.