This anonymous survey is conducted by the IAU Executive Committee’s Women in Astronomy (WiA) Working Group.

The survey is open to Members of the international astronomy community, research organisations, observatories, and collaborations.

Astronomy is a global and collaborative research field that benefits from a wide range of expertise, perspectives, and institutional practices. Effective and sustainable research environments depend on transparent governance, equitable access to opportunities, supportive working conditions, and well-functioning collaboration structures.

The aim of this survey is to collect information on current practices, policies, and organisational structures within astronomical institutions, departments, collaborations, and research projects worldwide. The focus is on identifying existing approaches and variations in:

Governance, leadership, and decision-making structures
Recruitment, promotion, and career development processes
Mentoring and professional development opportunities
Workplace environment and well-being support structures
Accessibility and participation frameworks
Training, awareness, and institutional support mechanisms
Collaboration management and research culture practices

Responses may help provide an overview of current institutional approaches across the field and support the identification of effective practices that could be shared within the international astronomy community through future IAU activities. This may include examples of policies, programmes, or initiatives related to leadership, mentorship, outreach, and organizational development. The survey findings will be presented in the IAU Women in Astronomy Working Group's Annual Report and will inform the development of the IAU Gender Equity Plan currently being prepared by the Working Group.

The survey may also help identify examples of institutional or collaborative practices that could be highlighted as reference cases in future IAU Women in Astronomy Working Group activities, including potential recognition of effective practices in leadership, mentoring, collaboration management, and community engagement.

All responses are anonymous and will be analyzed and reported only in aggregated form, and that no individual institution or respondent will be identified. Participation is voluntary, and all questions may be skipped.

Estimated completion time: 10 minutes

Deadline: 15 November 2026

All members of the international astronomy community are invited to participate.

On behalf of the IAU WiA WG
Mamta Pommier
Chair, IAU WiA WG

Welcome

Fostering Inclusion, Mental Well-being, and Leadership Equity in Astronomy