Parallel sessions

As a community, we are already seeing plenty of positive initiatives within the equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) space that aim to highlight the issues faced by underrepresented groups, promote marginalised communities, and educate the wider audience (i.e. PrideInSTEM, STEMEquals, TIGERinSTEMM). However, at the institutional level, EDI efforts can be limited to obtaining perceived ‘gold standards’ such as Athena Swan, and not necessarily benefiting those at the grass-roots level, or consider the impact of such initiatives in the context of intersectionality. Learned societies are increasingly collecting EDI data from their membership, and diversity data at the point of grant submission, which are beginning to highlight the inherent biases, or gaps, within our community. Everyone should feel able and comfortable to pursue a career in STEM no matter their background, gender, orientation, heritage or personal circumstances. This session aims to showcase the positive actions taken by the community to integrate LGBTQ+, BAME, disabled and first generation scientists, amongst others, into the diverse world of science, and share their evidence-based initiatives to make astronomy and geophysics more equitable and inclusive. We welcome contributions from academics, students, EDI professionals and experts outside astronomy.

Schedule:

09:05 Claudia Antolini “Astronomy for all - all for astronomy?”
09:20 Ares Osborn "Creating Equitea: a monthly forum to discuss topics related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) in Astronomy, Physics, and STEM:
09:35 Stephen Wilkins “Representation in Physics & Astronomy”
09:50 Maunder Megan “RAS Early Career Network COVID Survey Results”
10:02 Áine O'Brien “Results of the RAS’ 2020 Bullying and Harassment Survey”