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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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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.

IoA's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Members of our large Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee represent all groups and include colleagues at all career stages: undergraduate, postgraduate student, postdoctoral research associate, public astronomer, academic faculty and administrators. Many committee members experience dual career family life including caring responsibility for elderly parents.

Amy Bonsor (Co-Chair, EDI Committee)

Simon Hodgkin (Co-Chair, EDI Committee)

Ashley Worman (Secretary of the EDI Committee)

Project Juno

In 2017, we achieved Juno Practitioner status, demonstrating our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Project Juno aims to recognise and support physics departments and organisations working to improve gender equality and create better practices for all staff. This status was successfully renewed in 2023.

To build on this, we created action plans and set up Focus Groups to drive improvements and ensure progress.

EDI Focus Groups

  • Work-Life Balance FG: We are focusing on improving the work-life balance of every member of the Institute of Astronomy. Over the last year, this has involved increasing the social cohesion between postdoctoral research and PhD students, organising a lunch meetup for postdocs, as well as organising EDI seminars for the whole department. We currently do not have representation from academic staff or professional service staff and would welcome their input.

  • Inclusion & Fairness FG: This working group focuses on making the IoA a more inclusive place through things like celebrating the cultural diversity of our members, and a fairer place by flagging issues that affect the equity of staff and students. As an example, we organise multiple cultural themed teas throughout the year to highlight special dates for members in our community including, Diwali and Spring Equinox. We are also currently in the process of identifying accessibility concerns for IoA members and visitors and would value input from the entire community to help us identify and address these concerns.

  • Bullying & Harassment FG

  • Admissions & Recruitment FG: Our primary objective is to ensure that admissions and recruitment practices throughout the Institute encourage all sectors of society to apply for opportunities. We monitor admissions and recruitment data to identify areas for improvement in terms of ensuring equality and diversity and propose strategies to address these areas.

  • LGBTQ+ FG: This is an informal network to support members of the LGBTQ+ community across the IoA and beyond. We aim to have casual coffee meet-ups about once per month and organise special events throughout the year. As an example, we hosted the first ever celebration of LGBTQ+ in STEM day at the IoA in November 2024, which included a pub style game of trivia to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ STEM icons. Please keep an eye on your emails if you would like to join for the next coffee-meet up!

  • Women’s FG: Our primary objective is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for women in the field. We organise regular women’s coffee hours to provide a space for informal discussions and networking. Additionally, we celebrate International Women’s Day by organising a range of events, including school outreach, public outreach, and a departmental event, accompanied by a social media campaign to raise awareness and promote equality. Through these activities, we aim to inspire and empower women in science while promoting diversity within the Institute.

  • NEW! Neurodiversity FG: The neurodiversity focus group celebrates and empowers minds of all kinds. We are passionate about raising positive awareness, and dedicated to providing essential education and practical tools that can make a real difference in our workplace. Whether you are neurodiverse, neurotypical, or simply curious, this group is open to all. Please reach out to edi@ast.cam.ac.uk to join us and help make an impact!

  • NEW! Endometriosis Champions

IoA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Useful Links

 

*The following section is intended for internal staff members only:

EDI Committee Meeting Dates @ Ryle Meeting room - Kavli Building

  • Wednesday, 14th May 2025 – 11:30 – 12:30
  • Wednesday, 25th June 2025 – 11:30 – 12:30
  • Wednesday, 24th September 2025 - 11:30 – 12:30
  • Wednesday, 26th November 2025 - 11:30 – 12:30

EDI Annual Seminar @HLT

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 and/or its Focus Groups.

IoA EDI, Wellbeing and Culture Survey and Review Summaries

 

 

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