Membership & Benefits
The STEPS program is supported by a consortium of sponsors, providing the resources that allow us to implement this important research. A list of the current sponsors can be found here. This section outlines the benefits of becoming a sponsor.
Sponsorship Level
The STEPS program has four funding cycles corresponding to calendar years 2007 through 2010. Program Sponsors will provide $50,000 per year to participate for the first two years, and $60,000 per year thereafter. Program Sponsors joining after the first year (2007) must provide 40% back pay for program years they were not members. This policy recognizes the cumulative nature of the research and the past commitments of existing sponsors. For each calendar year during the program, ITS-Davis will invite sponsors to renew their participation; an up-front pledge for four years is not required.
If you are interested in joining the STEPS program as a program sponsor, please contact Joe Krovoza (jfkrovoza@ucdavis.edu) or Norma Deliberty (ndliberty@ucdavis.edu) . The current sponsors page details our industry and government connections.
Documentation regarding the objectives of the STEPS program, our research methods, and the benefits of sponsorship can be found in the STEPS Program Description and the STEPS Membership Benefits documents.
Sponsorship Benefits
Program Sponsors are encouraged to participate in all program activities listed below. The level of participation will be decided independently by each sponsor.
- STEPS Advisory Committee - The committee will meet at least once per year to advise the program’s leadership on the coming year’s research and public process programs.
- Technical Workshops - Each year, at least one high-level, invitation-only research workshops will be held on critical technical issues and topics.
- Research Reports - Researchers will produce publications as one of their primary outputs. Additionaly, researchers will issue working papers and reports over the course of the program. These reports will be provided immediately to Program Sponsors, often prior to publication.
- Research Bulletins - A quarterly newsletter for Program Sponsors and researchers will highlight recent program news including research results, new projects and events.
- Public Process Activities - On a periodic basis when called upon, special public process events will be held. These will include tutorial workshops for policy makers (and their staff), and policy issue forums.
- Program Sponsor Advisors and Internships - Where there is interest, Program Sponsors and STEPS researchers will interact closely on specific projects, arrange for student internships at Program Sponsor locations, and host extended visits from Program Sponsors at ITS-Davis.
Donald Gautier, USGS geologist, presents on petroleum in the arctic