Author: Max Mutchler
Affiliation: Space Telescope Science Institute
Country: USA
Co-Author(s): Alysha Shugart
Affiliation: Gemini Observatory – South
Country: Chile
Claire Raftery
Affiliation: National Solar Observatory
Country: USA
Title: Best practices in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion across AURA Centers
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 46 US institutions and 4 international affiliates that operates astronomical observatories, in the USA and Chile, for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA is responsible for the successful management and operation of its five centers: the Gemini Observatory; the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST); the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO); the National Solar Observatory (NSO); and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Note that Gemini, LSST, and NOAO are currently merging to form a new entity within AURA. This reorganization has presented an opportunity to include D&I language and goals in the new policies and procedures being developed (see related abstract by Shugart). AURA leadership and staff are actively engaged in developing programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broadens participation, and encourages the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. We are deeply invested in developing and improving our policies and practices to create a welcoming and productive work environment. AURA believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce contributes to excellence both in our organization and in the scientific community as a whole. At the Symposium we will outline best practices in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion being developed and implemented across the AURA Centers. This includes the roles of AURA’s Workforce and Diversity Committee (WDC), Diversity Advocates, and the recent creation of a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO).
References:
[1]: AURA Diversity and Inclusion
[2]: AURA Workforce and Diversity Annual Report 2018
https://www.aura-astronomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AURA-Workforce-and-Diversity-Report-2018.pdf
[3]: AURA Unconscious Bias brochure
https://www.aura-astronomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AURA_unconscious_bias_brochure.pdf