Special Session (incl. Lunch) SS34  29 June 2022

Diversity and Inclusion in European Astronomy

Aims and scope

In this symposium, we aim to draw together all parties interested in diversity and inclusion in astronomy, specifically:

+ to reflect on the status of the European astronomical community regarding equal opportunities (concerning gender, ethnicity, cultural and religious backgrounds, disability, etc.)

+ to reflect on identified barriers before entering academia: - minorities (how to attract minorities - related to ethnicity, religion, disabilities, gender identities, marginalized groups, etc. - to science and how astronomy may contribute) - stereotypes and misconceptions in education and outreach

+ to identify best practices, tools, and methods to overcome misconceptions and stereotypes related to astronomy (in the community and in society at large)

+ to reflect on barriers for staying and being successful in academia related to inclusion and diversity - Stress, bullying, and burnout related to gender, religious or ethnic motives - Career balance and career opportunities (seem different for different social groups) - Counseling and mentoring minorities in astronomy (best practices) - Stereotypes and misconceptions may influence the science we do (examples) - Improve links for those leaving/re-entering the field of astronomy - To discuss concrete actions to retain minority groups by increasing the diversity of people working in astronomy in Europe (in relation to gender, ethnicity, etc.)

+ to reflect on future actions for a more equitable and inclusive practice of the science of astronomy

Programme

  • Session 1: Shared Practise and Methodology
  • A mixture of review and contributed talks on current efforts across Europe, including a review by the EAS WG on current efforts.

  • Session 2: Accessibility in Astronomy
  • A mixture of review and contributed talks, to address the following issues/themes on current levels of accessibility in astronomy and how to improve this: (a) open access to academic papers/journals, (b) barriers to those with disabilities/neurodiversity, and (c) (lack of) accessibility to European astronomy for groups from countries outside Europe.

  • Lunch: Starter Guide to DEI - Hitchhiker's guide to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in European Astronomy
  • Our lunch session aims to attract all members of the astronomical community, and to welcome those who are perhaps inexperienced with engaging with DEI in their professional communities. The session is run in collaboration with the grassroots organisation, IDEEA, founded in 2020 by European astronomers who aim to find resources and spark discussions on better DEI throughout the community. After an introduction talk, they will provide the Hitchhiker's guide to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in European Astronomy, with an overview of available resources, and a starter pack for attendees who are interested in engaging and implementing DEI efforts in their institutions.

  • Session 3: Celebrating Diversity in European Astronomy
  • Aim to celebrate and highlight current efforts focused on improving the state of the field. Themes to include: (a) mental health and welfare (disproportionately affecting members of marginalised communities) (b) how institutes and individuals can contribute towards a sense of belonging in academia for people from all backgrounds, and (c) talks on outreach efforts that aim to advertise science and encourage the involvement of members of marginalised groups in astronomy.

    Invited speakers

    Scientific organisers

  • Holly Andrews [she/her] (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden) (co-chair)
  • Sara Anjos [she/her] (NUCLIO, Leiden University, Minho University) (co-chair)
  • Jake Noel-Storr [they/their] (Groningen University, Netherlands)
  • Sarah White [she/her] (Rhodes University, South Africa)
  • Sara Lucatello [she/her] (INAF Padova, EAS VP, Italy / EAS Council)
  • Antoaneta Antonova [she/her] (IANAO, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences / EAS Council)
  • Amelia Ortiz Gil [she/her] (University of Valencia)
  • Kasia Malek [she/her] (National Centre for Nuclear Research, Poland)
  • Tomaz Zwitter [he/him] ( University of Ljubljana)
  • Abi Frost [she/they] (KU Leuven, Belgium)
  • Andrea Gokus [she/her] (Remeis-observatory Bamberg/Uni Wuerzburg, Germany)
  • Rungployphan (Om) Kieokaew [she/her] (IRAP, Toulouse, France)
  • Contact

    holly.andrews @ chalmers.se

    Updated on Wed Jan 26 12:17:35 CET 2022