A socio-demographic study of the exoplanet direct imaging community II

TL;DR

This study analyzes the socio-demographics, experiences, and diversity metrics of the exoplanet direct imaging community through a 2022 survey, highlighting issues of representation, inclusion, and community well-being.

Contribution

It provides updated insights into community diversity, expands on previous survey questions, and tracks changes in socio-demographic metrics since 2019.

Findings

Identified under-representation of certain groups in the community.

Documented experiences of disrespect and inappropriate behavior.

Highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion efforts.

Abstract

Recognizing and addressing under-representation, exclusion, and problematic behavior within astronomy and astrophysics is crucial. In 2019, a survey was conducted at the Spirit of Lyot conference to evaluate the socio-demographics and well-being of the exoplanet and disk imaging community. This paper presents the results of a second survey, conducted at the 2022 Spirit of Lyot conference in Leiden, aiming to improve the evaluation of the community, expand diversity-related questions, and monitor the evolution of metrics since 2019. Sent to all participants, the survey received 96 responses. It measures respondents' visibility at conferences, recognition through publications and projects, experiences of disrespect or inappropriate behaviors as victims or witnesses, and identification as allies of minorities. These aspects were analyzed with respect to job position, expatriation, gender, belonging to another under-represented group (ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation), and parenthood.