Committee 2024
Benjamin Fernando (Johns Hopkins University; Chair)
Jane Smith (Institute of Physics, IOP)
Nathan Mayne (University of Exeter)
Matthew Temple (Durham University; RAS ECN)
Dominic Bowman (Newcastle University)
Karen Devoil (University College London)
Andrew Curtis (University of Edinburgh)
Farideh Honary (Lancaster University)
Ingrid Murray
Jasmine Sandhu (University of Leicester)
Kirushney Kalamohan
Luis Welbanks (Arizona State University)
RAS staff:
Philip Diamond (Executive Director)
Robert Massey (Deputy Executive Director)
Marieta Valdivia Lefort (Policy and Diversity Officer)
Membership
A Fellow (Chair) and ca. 4 members, plus the 'A' or 'G' Secretary
Term of Appointment
Officers/Councillors serve for the duration of their office; others for 3 years, with the option of a further renewal of 3 years)
Terms of Reference/Responsibilities
1. To support and represent the interests of under-represented groups in the RAS.
2. To ensure that diversity issues are considered within the operations and working practices of the RAS and that best practise is implemented and promulgated.
3. To advise Council on the formulation and implementation of strategies to assist in widening access to astronomy and geophysics by groups that are under-represented in these areas
4. To monitor and assist in issues of retention and career progression in astronomy and geophysics with the aim that all scientists should have equal career opportunities.
5. To improve the diversity of the membership to better reflect the community as well as wider society.
6. To liaise with groups with similar aims from other societies, such as the Institute of Physics Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Operation
At least yearly meetings