The Institute of Astronomy is committed to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity.
In 2017, the IoA was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and Juno Practitioner status. You can find out more about what we're doing on our E&D activities page.
Below are some useful links regarding equality, diversity and inclusion at the IoA and in Cambridge. More information on family-friendly university policies, leave, appraisal, promotion and other HR policies can also be found on the University’s HR webpages and the IoA HR intranet page.
Inclusivity Initiatives
- WiSETI: Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative
- Women's Staff Network
- LGBT+ Staff Network
- BAME Staff Network
- BAME Student Network
- Women at Cambridge
- Information for Disabled Applicants and Staff
- Race Equality Charter
- UKRI Supporting a healthy research and innovation culture
Parents and Carers
- Useful Information for Families
- Balancing Work and Family: useful links
- Supporting Parents and Carers @Cambridge Network
- Parent Carer Scientist: Scientists' Stories
- Returning Carers Scheme
Dignity at Work
- IoA Code of Conduct
- IoA Dignity at Work Contacts
- University Dignity @ Work Policy
- IoA anonymous reporting tool and other ways of reporting inappropriate behaviour
Testimonials
- Selected Bios from IoA Staff and Students
- Celebrating Women in Astronomy
- Parent Carer Scientist: Scientists' Stories
- International Women's Day @ the IoA
Anti-Racism Resources
- Message from University of Cambridge Vice Chancellor in response to the killing of George Floyd in the US
- Statement from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff network
- Cambridge University Race Equality webpage
- "Silence is compliance" (web article)
- "Nothing to add" (journal article: Understanding and Dismantling Privilege) (PDF)
- List of resources, petitions and donation pages from the Black Lives Matter movement
- St Catharine’s College JCR - "How to Support #BlackLivesMatter and Where to Begin Learning About Racism" (PDF)
- How Can We Support Black Astronomers?
Advice, Support, and Counselling
Counselling options
Advice and Support
- Students' Union Advice Service:
- Student Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor
- Guidance for students who have experienced harassment or sexual misconduct
- Supporting Students who have experienced Sexual Misconduct
- If you're accused of harassment or sexual misconduct
- Breaking the Silence (Harassment and sexual misconduct: Information, support, reporting, and prevention)
- Occupational Health Services (including health and wellbeing at work)
- Self-help resources
Additional support
- HR page on sources of support
- List of support services, including non-University agencies and organisations
Latest News
ED&I Committee Meeting Dates @ Ryle Meeting room - Kavli Building
• Wednesday, 15th May 2024 – 11:30-12:30
• Wednesday, 12th June 2024 (survey results) – 11:30 – 12:30
• Wednesday, 25th September 2024 – 11:30 – 12:30
• Wednesday, 27th November 2024 – 11:30 – 12:30
• Wednesday, 26th February 2025 – 11:30 – 12:30
Join Us!!!!
Please contact Co-Chairs - Amy Bonsor and Simon Hodgkin or edi@cam.ac.uk if you would like to join the Committee. Any member of the Department is welcome to join the Committee.
International Women's Day
Celebrating all the women in the Institute. The initiative can be found on our International Women's Day @ the IoA page.