Issue of October 30, 2026
eds: Jeremy Bailin, Sethanne Howard, Ferah Munshi, Stella Kafka, and Ben Keller
[We hope you all are taking care of yourselves and each other. --eds.]
This week's issues:
1. AAS and Partners Send Letter to NASA Raising Concerns About Grant Programs
2. Archival Feature: Vera Rubin Made Dark Matter A Household Name
3. Join the CSWA and Support Women in Astronomy
4. Share Your Career Journey: Diverse Pathways in Astronomy
5. Cornell astronomy researcher to head planetary science workforce survey
6. Two Astronomers Honored for Excellence in Science Communication
7. Haunted Observatory Celebrates Women Astronomers and Their Legacies
8. Thoughts on “Female Student Quota” for Admissions: Quota spurs aspirations for elite universities
9. Call for Applications: Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 – Fully Funded Travel and Career Development Program for Women in Science
10. STEM4Girls Day inspires the next generation of STEM leaders
11. Anthropic STEM Fellowship - funding opportunity
12. How to Submit to the AASWOMEN newsletter
13. How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe to the AASWOMEN newsletter
14. Access to Past Issues
An online version of this newsletter will be available at http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/ at 3:00 PM ET every Friday.
On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the AAS and eight other organizations sent a letter to NASA leadership raising concerns regarding the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) solicitations. The letter highlights how recent changes and delays have made grant funding less predictable and reliable, jeopardizing NASA’s scientific return, workforce development, and US leadership in Earth and space science.
Read more at
TAs Halloween approaches, we enjoy tales of ghosts and spooky stories as we remember how our ancestors tried to make sense of the invisible and unknown in our universe. Few cosmic phantoms are as mysterious as dark matter. In this archival feature originally published by Smithsonian Magazine on December 28, 2016 (just days after her passing), writer Linda Kramer traces how astronomer Vera Rubin fought through systemic biases to fundamentally change our understanding of the universe, proving that most of the cosmos remains hidden in the dark.
Read more at
https://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2026/10/archival-feature-vera-rubin-made-dark.html
The American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) Committee for the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA) is currently soliciting applications for new committee members. We welcome applicants at all career stages, from individuals within and outside academia, regardless of gender, identity, or background.
Read more at
https://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2026/10/join-cswa-and-support-women-in-astronomy.html
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) Employment Committee seeks volunteers to share their career journeys and highlight the many professional pathways available to astronomy-trained professionals. Whether you work in academia, industry, education, policy, nonprofit leadership, or beyond, your experience can inspire the next generation of astronomers and broaden perspectives on career opportunities.
Read more at
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOjULjt8PPZUpPWW8-H1EBt4XUsCdpfJ1MkN-BiNjhvx6Ueg/viewform
Every five years or so, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Division of Planetary Science (DPS) carries out a survey of the Planetary Science Workforce to learn about the demographics, educational background and employment experience of the planetary science workforce. The next survey will be led by Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science (CCAPS) senior research associate Julie Rathbun.
Read more at
Astronomers Yvette Cendes and Erika Hamden are among the 2026 National Academies award recipients recognized for excellence in science communication and making astronomy accessible to broader audiences.
Read more at
The University of Texas at San Antonio brought astronomy history to life on October 28 with Haunted Observatory Night: Día de los Muertos Under the Stars. Created by astronomy professor Angela Speck, the event blended Halloween festivities with cultural traditions to celebrate scientists whose contributions shaped our understanding of the universe. This year's celebration featured more women than men among its historical figures, including Hypatia, Annie Jump Cannon, and Henrietta Swan Leavitt, while highlighting the contributions of women, people with disabilities, and scientists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through storytelling, interactive activities, and stargazing, the event offered a creative approach to making astronomy's history more inclusive and accessible.
Read more at
A new analysis of gender-based university admissions policies in Japan, India, and Chile suggests that quotas can help women enter prestigious STEM programs—not simply by expanding access, but by encouraging qualified women to pursue opportunities they might otherwise consider beyond their reach. However, quotas alone do not necessarily increase overall female enrollment in STEM.
Read more at
https://www.rieti.go.jp/en/papers/contribution/nakamuro-makiko/04.html
Early-career women researchers from around the world, particularly those from the Global South, are invited to apply for the Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027, a one-year career development program organized by the Falling Walls Foundation in Germany
Read more at
https://www.globalsouthopportunities.com/2026/10/26/science-12/
UMass Dartmouth’s 2026 STEM4Girls Day brought together more than 160 girls in grades 3–8 for hands-on STEM workshops, featuring NASA Ambassador and STEM advocate Pat Monteith as keynote speaker, who encouraged participants to pursue their scientific interests and envision futures in STEM.
Read more at
https://www.umassd.edu/news/2026/stem4girls-2026.html
Anthropic invites applications from experienced STEM researchers, including physicists, for a four-month fellowship exploring how advanced AI can accelerate scientific discovery. Fellows will collaborate with AI researchers to tackle complex scientific challenges, develop datasets and simulations, and evaluate AI capabilities in their disciplines. The fellowship offers $100,000–$167,000 in compensation. Applicants must hold a STEM PhD, have several years of research experience, and possess U.S. work authorization. Prior machine learning expertise is not required, although hands-on experience with Claude and Claude Code is expected.
Read more at
https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/10/24/anthropic-stem-fellowship-2027/
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