Dr Jarita Holbrook, University of the Western Cape: South African Oral Histories & ASTROMOVES in Edinburgh.
TITLE: Work in Progress: Astronomy Life South Africa to Edinburgh
Astronomers, as with many other academics and professionals, are required to relocate frequently in order to remain employed and progress their careers. As they craft their careers, astronomers weight their options in terms of access to telescopes and other observing facilities as well as prestige. The ASTROMOVES project considers undocumented factors that are salient to the careers of gender diverse, underrepresented, differently abled, and other astronomers. Adjacent is the South African Oral History Project for Astronomers, in which astronomers with connections to South Africa are video recorded and archived for the public. Astronomers from South Africa circulate internationally including to and through Edinburgh, while other astronomers circulate to and through South Africa because of their excellent observing facilities. During my brief stay at IASH, I have made progress with the oral histories but am waiting for ethical clearance to begin interviewing for ASTROMOVES; however, I have made a short 15 minute film 'Echoes of the SKA' which attempts to let the South African astronomy stakeholders speak for themselves about the Square Kilometre Array which will be the largest radio telescope in the world. Please take time to view the film before the presentation to enable a deeper discussion.