STEP is focused on creating better informed science and technology policy through collaborations between scientists and policy-makers.

Many of our most pressing public policy issues have a strong science and technology component, such as developing clean sources of energy and using information technology to reduce medical errors and administrative costs in our healthcare system. However, elected officials often lack the technical expertise to make informed decisions on these issues, and scientists and engineers rarely engage in the political process.

To address these needs, STEP is helping students build interdisciplinary skills at the intersection of science and policy. STEP works toward this goal through three activities: an annual White Paper Competition, a monthly Seminar Series and a Science Policy Journal Club.