Speaker
Description
Around the globe, homophobia, queerphobia and racism are on the rise. Against this social background, it is imperative that astronomy is a safe space. Yet despite the great work being done across many institutes, astronomers belonging to marginalised groups (such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Black people, and people with disabilities) continue to face significant challenges and obstacles to research. For example, LGBTQ+ astronomers are more likely to be professionally devalued, and harassed by their peers at work, and nearly half of women of colour in astronomy regularly feel unsafe in the workplace and at conferences.
There are many initiatives in place to try and reduce discrimination, however most focus exclusively on the gender imbalance. Whilst this is an important aspect of diversity, overlooking other groups risks further marginalisation. An intersectional approach to EDI strategies is necessary to ensure that no astronomer is left behind. Such EDI initiatives are crucial for ensuring a safe, welcoming workplace. In doing so, we include scientists from all backgrounds, which increases our creativity and mobility. Collectively, this is the responsibility of all of us.
We will convene the session “An Intersectional Approach to EDI Strategies” at EAS 2025, and will use this session at NAM 2025 to report on our findings, highlighting the brilliant work being done both in the UK and Europe, and internationally.
