Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (STEP)

Princeton University's Program in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (STEP) is based in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs with strong ties to the Princeton Environmental Institute. Many aspects of science and technology policy debates have been tackled with the tools of political and economic analysis that are the traditional strong suits of the Woodrow Wilson School. In addition to providing a systematic introduction to the field of policy analysis, the goal of the STEP program is to develop a deeper understanding of current scientific, technological, and environmental issues and potential local, national and international policy responses.  The Program provides interdisciplinary training that facilitates communication between technical experts and policy makers. 

Increasing numbers of students in the Woodrow Wilson School generally, and in the STEP program in particular, have a primary interest in environmental science and technology policy, including global climate change, air pollution, negotiated environmental accords, biodiversity, environmental economics, environmental justice, and the connection between the environment and development. Research in these areas and others such as biotechnology and nuclear-weapons policy is facilitated by the Program's ties with the Princeton Environmental Institute; the Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, and Geosciences; the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory; the Program on Science & Global Security; and the Office of Population Research.