[ASA] Call for Nominations – IDEA Chapter Steering Committee Election 2025

[Tayyaba Zafar]

Dear ASA Members,
Following discussions at the ASA Annual Scientific Meeting the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy (IDEA) Chapter is seeking nominations for two Professional Staff Representatives to join the IDEA Steering Committee for a two-year term starting in 2026.
The IDEA Chapter is committed to ensuring that the diversity of the Australian astronomy community is reflected in its activities and leadership. As highlighted during the recent Town Hall, many individuals make vital contributions to astronomy outside of traditional research pathways, including instrumentation specialists, engineers, technicians, observatory staff, project managers, science communicators, and professional and operational staff.
To strengthen these voices within the chapter, we are seeking:
2 Professional Staff Representatives (Two-year term)
We welcome nominations from individuals who contribute to the astronomy community through professional, technical, operational, administrative, or support roles. Candidates should be a member of, or employed by, an ASA member organisation.
We particularly encourage nominations from:

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Instrumentation and engineering professionals
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Observatory and telescope operations staff
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Professional and administrative staff supporting astronomy research
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Science communication and outreach professionals
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Technical and project support personnel
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Individuals from historically underrepresented groups within astronomy

We strongly encourage participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from diverse faith, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ identified professionals.
We also encourage nominations that reflect the geographical diversity of astronomy across Australia.
Nomination deadline: COB Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Election period (if required): 5–9 October 2026
How to Apply:
Please submit your Expression of Interest to asa.ideastronomy at gmail.com including:

  1.
Brief biography (approx. 200 words)
  2.
Statement (max. two pages) addressing:
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Your perspective on equity, diversity, and inclusion (please indicate if you identify as a member of an underrepresented group)
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Your aspirations and objectives as a committee member, and your vision of success
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Relevant committee, board, and/or EDI experience (if applicable)
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Year you joined ASA (if applicable)
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Your organisation

Before applying, please review the Terms of Reference<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ykgpCOMKzVTwAN5KRFEfB2hGMaCF?domain=asa-idea.org> for the Steering Committee and the aims of the IDEA Chapter<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5U8mCP7LAXfZ40vxGf0hlXhx0aJj?domain=asa-idea.org>. The committee meets monthly (occasionally fortnightly, depending on activities) for 60 minutes, and more frequently every second year to evaluate Pleiades Award applications.
For questions, please contact me or any current member of the IDEA Chapter Steering Committee.
We look forward to your nominations and to achieving strong representation from across the ASA community.
Kind regards,
Tayyaba Zafar
On behalf of IDEA Chapter Steering Committee

The IDEA Chapter Steering Committee

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