7–11 Jul 2025
Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC)
Europe/London timezone

The Path to Expertise: Trajectories of Talented Women in Astronomy

10 Jul 2025, 09:20
15m
Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC)

Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC)

Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LS
Talk Community EDI initiatives in Astronomy and Geophysics Community EDI initiatives in Astronomy and Geophysics

Description

Astronomy is fundamental to human development, driving technology and innovation while generating knowledge that helps humanity understand the universe (Sturrock et al., 2019). However, women remain significantly underrepresented in this field. While many women leave astronomy, little is known about those who persist and succeed. The purpose of this study was to explore the events, skills, experiences, milestones, and individuals that have contributed to the development of women's talent throughout their trajectories in astronomy. Using a qualitative study with a feminist approach, in-depth interviews with a visual component were conducted with five talented women in astronomy. The findings reveal the micro, meso, and macro levels of influence that have shaped their paths, as well as the intensity and direction of these influences throughout their journeys. The implications for studying talent development in women astronomers are discussed.

Primary author

Maria P. Gomez-Arizaga (Universidad de Santiago de Chile)

Co-author

Ms Marieta Valdivia-Lefort (Royal Astronomical Society)

Presentation materials

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