Since 2023, I have been co-leading the "Queer International Meet-Up Heidelberg" as part of the PLUS Charity's offer of groups and meetings for queer people in the region. Image Credit: PLUS Rhein-Neckar e.V.

For the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2023 I organised a presentation at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, inviting Emily Hunt to speak about her experience with activism for greater LGBT+ inclusion within Astronomy. Image Credit: Evert Nasedkin

In February 2023, I organised "OUTer Space", an LGBT+ Outreach day at the Haus der Astronomie (House of Astronomy) in Heidelberg. I planned, organised, and executed the day consisting of a planetarium show, tours of the telescopes, the stellar model, as well as talks from LGBT+ Scientists and Allies and a Q&A Panel. Image Credit: Evert Nasedkin

OUTer Space LGBT+ Outreach Day at the Haus der Astronomie, Heidelberg. Image Credit: Yanu Khusanova

In 2020, I became a member of the Edinburgh University Sports Union Inclusion Committee, to advocate for equity and inclusion in university sports. Image Credit: EUSU

Delegates of the NUS LGBT+ Conference 2018. I have participated in various conferences across the UK on LGBT+ inclusion (e.g. LGBTYS Youth Summit in Falkirk 2017, NUS LGBT+ Conference in Edinburgh 2018, among others)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

  • Making Astronomy a more inclusive place for all.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

I care deeply about making Academia in General, and Science and specifically Astronomy in particular, a more welcoming environment for everyone. Some of the things I have done in this regard include:

  • Co-leading the "Queer International Meet-Up Heidelberg"
  • Organised "OUTer Space"
  • Organised a presentation at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy for IDAHOBIT
  • Member of the Edinburgh University Sports Union Inclusion Committee
  • Participated in various conferences across the UK on LGBT+ inclusion

For more information, click through the slideshow.

Further to these, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I set up LGBT+ lunch meetings at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, to provide a safe space for LGBT+ students to meet and foster a sense of community. I am currently in the process of setting up a similar initiative at the University of Heidelberg.

I firmly believe that widening participation in Astronomy is crucial to the future of our field, and I am always keen to engage in initiatives to make this happen.