LPI seeking committee members for new IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Independent Advisory Committee – Applications due Oct 8

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is seeking committee members for its newly established IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Independent Advisory Committee. 

Service is at the heart of the LPI’s mission. As we support and serve members of our diverse planetary science community, we want to take actions to ensure we facilitate a culture and a profession that is inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible. As a mechanism for direct community feedback and accountability, we are announcing the creation of an independent advisory committee. The goal of the advisory committee is to provide guidance on the LPI’s practices, in particular for meetings, conferences, and public and planetary community engagement activities. 

We are seeking up to four committee members. Service on the committee will be supported through an honorarium. The committee is expected to meet at least twice a year to provide community feedback on LPI organized activities, but more meetings may occur in response to events or specific requests. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter (up to 2-pages) and brief CV (up to 2-pages) highlighting your experience and interest in supporting IDEA practices to Cynthia Svambera (csvambera@usra.edu), the USRA HR business partner at LPI, by Friday October 8th. 

LPI is a multi-disciplinary institution that includes experts in planetary science and astrobiology, education and public engagement, communication, event hosting, and much more. Applications from individuals with experience in advocating for IDEA and allyship and from those that reflect the broad community at the LPI are encouraged to apply. Because the committee may include discussions on private issues, all committee members will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). 

About Us: The LPI is a scientific research institute that provides support services to NASA and the planetary science community. It was established by NASA and the National Academy of Sciences, originally as the Lunar Science Institute. The LPI is operated by the Universities Space Research Association under a cooperative agreement with NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. To learn more about us: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/about/ 

Thanks,

Kathleen Vander Kaaden

Co-Chair LPI IDEA Independent Advisory Committee