Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices and solutions

Diversity of thought and perspective fosters innovation and productivity. Equity is an ethical imperative. There is plenty of scope to improve both diversity and equity in our field and this issue’s Focus puts the spotlight on actions today for a more inclusive tomorrow.

The fundamental aim of inclusive astronomy is to bring astronomy to diverse groups of people while at the same time broadening the viewpoints of astronomy communicators. Building domestic and international networks is essential to disseminate inclusive activities and resources.

Astronomy across world cultures is rooted in indigenous knowledge. We share models of partnering with indigenous communities involving collaboration with integrity to co-create an inclusive scientific enterprise on Earth and in space.

The struggles of marginalized students, mentees and peers in astronomy and physics can be amplified by negative ‘fixed’ mindsets. Here are ways we can address mindset in our labs, our classrooms and ourselves.

Good intentions are not enough to advance diversity. This case study of a 2019 postdoctoral fellowship competition in astronomy illustrates how incorporating lessons from social science research into the evaluation process mitigates bias, identifies outstanding scientists, and improves diversity.

The International Astronomical Youth Camp has benefited thousands of lives during its 50 year history. We explore the pedagogy behind this success, review a survey taken by more than 300 previous participants and discuss some of the challenges the camp faces in the future.

The convoluted challenges that stifle equity in academia can be understood in terms of dynamical systems descriptions of conflict developed in the social sciences, explaining the persistence of exclusive cultures and the inadequacy of simple fixes.

An overview of the nationwide programmes that are making an impact on diversity, culture and climate in Australia is presented, along with the most promising and innovative initiatives in Australian universities and institutions.

Years of dedicated efforts to tackle gender inequality in Europe show positive trends, but equality has not yet been achieved. This Perspective reports on the most recent initiatives in science and technology, with a special focus on the field of astronomy.

PhD bridge programmes provide an asset-based model to improve access and inclusion for students from underrepresented groups. Several well-known PhD bridge programmes in the United States are described and lessons learned from their experiences are discussed.

We all benefit when astronomy, and other sciences, are deconstructed and re-imagined in a different light to create activities accessible to all, independent of age, nationality, socioeconomic status, location, educational level, or mental or physical ability.

South Africa is looking forward to hosting the IAU General Assembly in 2024 — the first on the African continent. The meeting will come at a time of burgeoning scientific prosperity for the growing community of indigenous South African and African astronomers.

The PLOAD — Portuguese Language Office of Astronomy for Development — was established in 2015 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) with the goal of promoting astronomy as a tool for sustainable development in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Scientific outreach involving people with disabilities does not require specific techniques for specific conditions. An inclusive approach involving complementary senses not only helps those with disabilities but everyone else as well.

Since 2013, the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development has been funding and nurturing astronomy-for-development projects across the globe. In Africa, these projects aim to use astronomy to stimulate educational, technological and socioeconomic development.

The development of astronomy and space science in Africa has grown significantly over the past few years. These advancements make the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals more achievable, and open up the possibility of new beneficial collaborations.

The Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project, a joint venture between the UK, South Africa and African partner nations, aims to provide development, education, training and careers advice to Africans through radio astronomy and related technical disciplines.

Gender equity across the globe is improving thanks to dedicated efforts, policies, monitoring, training and assessment. However, progress is slow and more needs to be done. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but quantitative surveys are helping to gauge the situation.