M dwarf stars in the light of (future) exoplanet searches
  We present a brief overview of a splinter session on M dwarf stars as planet hosts that was organized as part of the Cool Stars 17 conference. The session was devoted to reviewing our current knowledge of M dwarf stars and exoplanets in order to prepare for current and future exoplanet searches focusing in low mass stars. We review the observational and theoretical challenges to characterize M dwarf stars and the importance of accurate fundamental parameters for the proper characterization of their exoplanets and our understanding on planet formation. 
B. Rojas-Ayala, E. J. Hilton, A. W. Mann, S. L\'epine, E. Gaidos, X.   Bonfils, Ch. Helling, T. J. Henry, L. A. Rogers, K. v...
astro-ph.SR astro-ph.EP