Special Session SS19  3 Jul 2026

Fostering Inclusion, Mental Well-being, and Leadership Equity in Astronomy

Aims and scope

This special session, organized by the EAS Diversity and Inclusion Committee, aims to highlight the challenges faced by members of the astronomical community in fostering a safe, inclusive, and gender-balanced working environment. The session will explore practical strategies for building a more inclusive culture, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting well-being, equity, and inclusive leadership at all levels of the career in Astronomy. The session will focus on three key themes:

1- Diversity and Inclusion in Project Management and Leadership: This segment will examine how EDI Diversity and Inclusion can be effectively integrated into project management and leadership structures. It will showcase both challenges and best practices, offering guidance on building inclusive teams and decision-making processes.

2- Mental Health and Inclusion in Academia: This part of the session will provide a platform for community members to share experiences and explore approaches for creating supportive, inclusive, and mentally healthy academic environments.

3- Insights from the EDI Survey Across Europe and at the International Level: We will present findings from recent surveys conducted across various astronomical societies, offering an overview of current awareness, challenges, and practices related to gender equity and inclusion. National societies are invited to share their ongoing EDI initiatives and efforts to foster change within their communities.

In addition, this session will provide a platform to STEM Ambassadors to present their work and perspectives. By addressing gender equity, mental health, the sharing of best practices, and inclusive leadership, the session seeks to bring together the astronomy community across projects, institutions, and countries to work toward a more sustainable and inclusive working environment.

Number of 1.5 hrs requested block- 3

Keywords- Diversity, Welfare, Career Development, Policy

Programme

  • Diversity and Inclusion in Project Management and Leadership
  • Mental Health and Inclusion in Academia
  • Insights from the EDI Survey Across Europe and at the International Level

Invited speakers

  • Claudio De Figueiredo Melo(ESO, Germany)
  • Edweige Pezzulli (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
  • Gaitee Hussain (ESA, NL)
  • Genevieve Marshall (University of Leiden, NL)
  • Jessica Dempsey (ASTRON, NL)
  • Mamta Pommier (University Catholic of Lyon, FR)
  • Pascale Hibon (ESO, Chile)
  • Salim Ansari (Vienna University, Austria)
  • Till Sawala (University of Helsinki, FI)

Scientific organisers

  • Mamta Pommier (University of Lyon, France)- Chair
  • Paul Beck (ULL & IAC, Tenerife, Spain)-Co-Chair
  • MariCruz Gálvez Ortiz (CAB INTA-CSIC, Spain)-Co-Chair
  • Monika Jurkovic (Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Serbia)
  • Salim Ansari (University of Vienna, Austria)

    • Contact

    mamtapommier @ gmail.com

    Updated on Wed Feb 04 12:19:09 CET 2026
European Astronomical Society