Assessing the Demographics of Participants in Press Conferences at Meetings of the American Astronomical Society (2010-2022)

Abstract

The Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) undertook a study to assess the participation of community members in AAS press conferences at meetings between 2010 and 2022. 130 respondents answered both free-response and multiple-choice questions. In general, selection of AAS press conference presenters broadly represents AAS membership but subtleties in who is selected to participate shows inequities among women and gender minorities, people of color, institution type and career stage. By implementing several recommendations, including continuing dual-anonymous peer review of meeting abstracts for inclusion in press conferences, the AAS can diversify participation, better serve its broad membership, and work toward achieving goals set forth in its Strategic Plan.