Science with gravitational lensing: From cosmic telescopes to cosmic microscopes

Gravitational lensing (GL) has played various key roles in physics and astronomy, from the first proof for general relativity, to highlighting the need for a dark matter component. GL is currently used for a range of science themes from mapping the invisible dark matter to detecting exo-solar planets. In this talk I will review recent advancements in GL-related science. Among these, are the lensing of distant stars, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, supermassive black holes, and gravitational waves. I will highlight key results mainly with respect to insights on dark matter and on the first galaxies in the universe, as well as our contribution to these fields and the relation to the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope.