Picture an Astronomer: Best Practices for Retaining Talent in Astrophysics

TL;DR

This paper discusses gender disparities in astrophysics, highlighting retention issues for women, and offers recommendations to improve diversity and create a healthier, more inclusive scientific environment.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive set of best practices and policy recommendations developed from a symposium focused on retaining women in astrophysics.

Findings

Gendered attrition remains a significant issue in astrophysics.

Targeted outreach and policy changes can improve retention of women.

Recommendations support a healthier, inclusive climate for all scientists.

Abstract

Women are consistently underrepresented in astrophysics yet are simultaneously subject to disproportionate attrition at every career stage. This disparity between demonstrated efficacy in job performance and ultimate career outcome was the primary motivation for the Picture an Astronomer series, which included both targeted public outreach to increase representation of women in astrophysics and high-level, solution-oriented discussions among professional astronomers. In March 2025, more than 200 astronomers came together in a hybrid-format symposium focused on the state of the field for female scientists, combining scientific exchange with discussions of policies and practices to strengthen retention of talent in the field. This white paper is the result of those discussions, offering a wide range of recommendations developed in the context of gendered attrition in astrophysics but which ultimately support a healthier climate for all scientists alike.