Women in Fluids: Toward a More Inclusive DFD

Women are underrepresented in physics, and fluid dynamics is no exception. On average, only 10-15% of the attendees of the annual APS DFD meeting are women. Women continue to experience challenges in promotions, and in receiving grants and awards. While representation is improving over time, these issues can lead women in fluid dynamics–especially at early career stages–to feel discouraged and isolated, particularly when considered in concert with obstacles faced at their home institutions and in society at large. These issues are further exacerbated for other underrepresented groups, and are often intersectional. Here, we discuss lessons learned from over a decade of attending and organizing the annual Women in Fluids lunch, including recurring themes and concerns most commonly raised by attendees. We propose recommended improvements and concrete strategies for making the DFD a more inclusive and equitable scientific society for all members. We will emphasize the importance of 1) both formal and informal networking, 2) personal and professional support structures for society members, and 3) increasing the presence of all underrepresented groups at all levels of the DFD.