ALMA: prospects for AGN studies
Roberto Maiolino

I will first provide a very short introduction to mm/submm extragalactic
astronomy. Then I will summarize some of the past and current sub/mm studies of
AGNs, both local and at high redshift. A list and a short description of the
current sub/mm facilities that have allowed such studies will be provided.  I
will then describe the ALMA project, its technical specifications and its
outstanding capabilities, also in comparison with previous sub/mm facilities.
Finally, I will discuss the science goals of ALMA and specifically the expected
breakthroughs for extragalactic studies, by focusing on AGNs in particular.