I will discuss recent observational results from the big observational surveys and how they can be interpreted using analytical and numerical/N-body models. I will specifically discuss the signs for inside-out formation of the Milky Way and other galaxies. Inside-out formation explains the densities in the abundance plane ([alpha/Fe] vs. [Fe/H]) as well as their connections with stellar kinematics. I will show how inside-out formation can create the appearance of inverse metallicity gradients in the past. I will also show what these results tell us about preferential stellar migration and the strength of radial migration in the Galactic Thick Disc.
Depending on the composition and scope of this session, I could also discuss new developments in Bayesian Stellar spectroscopy methods.