Sponsors

National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. NSF promotes the progress of science to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. It initiates and supports, through grants and contracts, scientific and engineering research and programs to strengthen scientific and engineering research potential, and education programs at all levels , and appraise the impact of research upon industrial development.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.

Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security leverages resources within federal, state, and local governments, coordinating the transition of multiple agencies and programs into a single, integrated agency focused on protecting the American people and their homeland. More than 87,000 different governmental jurisdictions at the federal, state, and local level have homeland security responsibilities.

Office of Naval Research
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through schools, universities, government laboratories, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. It provides technical advice to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy and works with industry to improve technology manufacturing processes.

G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
New York-based G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation was established in 1959 by the trustees of G. Unger Vetlesen, a Norwegian immigrant to the United States who became a leading shipbuilder, World War II military leader and pioneer in transatlantic air travel. Designed to recognize sweeping achievements on par with the Nobel Prize, which has no regular prize in earth sciences, it is given every several years by a jury appointed by the president of Columbia University.