Dear friends and colleagues,
It is with the deepest gratitude that I announce the publication of my new book entitled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Astronomy: A Modern History (Springer, 2023). Free review copies are available.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Astronomy: A Modern History
Key points:
Tells the modern history of the movement that has sought to make astronomy more diverse and inclusive
Shares important lessons and context for how the space industry can be made more equitable and just
Provides fascinating insights into the lives and work of leading scientists and activists from around the world
Blurb:
Astronomy is a field concerned with matters very distant from Earth. Most phenomena, whether observed or theorized, transcend human spaces and timescales by orders of magnitude. Yet, many scientists have been interested not just in the events that have occurred millennia before Earth’s inception, but also in their very own society here and now.
Since the first half of the twentieth century, an increasing number of them have pursued parallel careers as both academics and activists. Besides publishing peer-reviewed papers, they have promoted a great variety of underrepresented groups within their discipline. Through conferences, newsletters and social media, they have sought to advance the interests of women, members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, and disabled people. While these activists have differed in the identities they focus on, they have come to share a conviction that diversity and inclusion are crucial for scientific excellence as well as social justice.
In this book, you will read of the biographies and institutional contexts of key agents in the diversification of modern astronomy. As most are recent figures whose discoveries have not been commemorated by Nobel Prizes, they are relatively unknown among historians of science. They have, however, been central to discussions about who has privileged access to the tools of astronomical inquiry, including powerful telescopes and extensive databases. As such, they have also significantly shaped views of our universe.
More information:
https://www.springer.com/book/9783031461125
Free review copies:
Are you interested in writing or commissioning a review of my book? Would you like to interview me? If so, you can get a free copy by contacting me or my publisher.
Thank you so much!
With best wishes,
Matthias
Jörg Matthias Determann
Virginia Commonwealth University