Rémi Soummer (STSci) -- High contrast imaging of exoplanets and disks

Direct imaging will enable finding and characterizing exo-Earth with a future space mission, and searching for life. How can we prepare for such an ambitious goal? What can be done already with existing and upcoming facilities in the mean time? With new-generation instrument coming online direct imaging has reached a "routine mode" and new science results are flowing. I will illustrate the progress that have led to these new results using both HST and ground-based instruments, and will discuss the current needs to prepare for a coronagraph on AFTA and on a future large UVOIR flagship.