Program News and Announcements

5 October 2023

AWESOM SAG Meeting 6 October 2023

The Astrophysics with Equity Surmounting Obstacles to Membership Science Analysis Group (AWSOM SAG) is a NASA Science Analysis Group that operates across the three main astrophysics programs (PhysPAG, COPAG, and ExoPAG).

This group is exploring how to achieve goals highlighted by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey in broadening participation in NASA astrophysics research and education programs. Membership is open to anyone in the community!

The SAG is soliciting members and input for five working groups (WGs):

• Obtaining an overview of the landscape of astrophysics at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Community Colleges (CCs), Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), etc.
• Obtaining an overview of existing/ongoing NASA initiatives
• Opportunities for research/funding at MSIs, CCs, PUIs, etc.
• Student training programs (including bridge programs)
• Best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion in NASA astrophysics (e.g., selection and recruitment)

The next AWESOM SAG meeting will take place on Friday 6 October 2023 at 11a Eastern (8a Pacific). The meeting will be held virtually using this Zoom link.

The meeting’s aims will be to solidify plans for working groups outlined above, and the SAG schedule. If interested in contributing to one of the WGs, please join the meeting or fill out this Google form (which includes an option to specify a working group).

We hope interested colleagues will join for this discussion; if you can't make this time, please feel free to reach out to Ryan.C.Hickox@dartmouth.edu.