Diversity & Inclusion

Equity, diversity and inclusion are core components of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago. Students, postdocs, and faculty are working together to build a culture within the department where under-represented groups can thrive. Please find our community values statement here.

Here you will find information about

  • The Climate Committee: The Climate Committee is a group of students, postdocs, faculty and staff from the Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A) department and the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP). The primary goal for the group is to continuously improve on the climate in A&A and KICP.
  • The Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy (IDEA) group: A group of early-career astronomers and physicists in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics promoting inclusion, diversity and equity in STEM.
  • Community Engagement Working Group: The Community Engagement Working Group is comprised of graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty from A&A and KICP. We are working to attain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment in our department for all current and incoming members. We also aim to build relationships with community members and organizations in the neighborhoods surrounding the University.
  • A&A/KICP Conflict Resolution Flowchart: Developed by the A&A Community Engagement Working Group.
  • Department Ombudsperson: The Department Ombudspersons are available to provide private, independent, impartial, and informal assistance for anyone in the department community, which includes students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and visitors.
  • Other University Resources: Other resources and initiatives across the University.