During a government shutdown, agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) generally pause new grant awards, proposal reviews, and program launches. Institutions with existing federal research awards may still be able to draw down previously obligated funds, but technical assistance, progress reviews, and application processing are typically suspended.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), most federal research staff and grant managers are classified as nonessential and furloughed, resulting in delays that can extend well beyond the shutdown itself. Past shutdowns have led to cancellations of reserved time on national lab instruments, closures of field research sites on federal lands, etc.

The impact on undergraduate research is not yet clear, but students applying for NSF, NIH or other federally supported programs might experience delays in response times to email and program timelines might change. UROP advises students involved in projects to stay in communication with project mentors and be attentive to program websites for updates.

Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s administration is working to minimize disruptions to research and other grant-supported activities. In the unlikely event that students with UROP funding experience changes in their ability to accomplish project goals, such as the availability of mentors and/or resources, UROP will not withdraw previously awarded funding.
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Animal Subjects

Projects involving animal subjects may require approval by the IACUC and involve additional steps in the application and award process.ÌýStudents should talk to theirÌýmentors as soon as possible and review the resources and guidelines on theÌý.

Student Grants Guide

ÌýÌý(2/4) Compliance

Assistantships

Student's Prompt

Have you completed training the care and use of animals (IACUC)?

  • Yes: Attach your IACUC training completion certificate.
  • No (100 words maximum) Explain your plan to complete the IACUC training requirements for non-human animal subject testing.

Mentor's Prompt

100 words maximum: Explain how you will support your mentee's plans to work with animal subjects.

Individual Grants

Student's Prompts

Have you completed training the care and use of animals (IACUC)?

  • Yes: Attach your IACUC training completion certificate.
  • No (100 words maximum) Explain your plan to complete the IACUC training requirements for non-human animal subject testing.

Has your project been approved by the IACUC?

  • Yes: Attach your IACUC approval.
  • No (100 words maximum) Explain your plan to receive IACUC approval for your project, noting how you will identify and protect subjects during and after the project.

Mentor's Prompt

100 words maximum: Explain how you will support your mentee's plans to work with animal subjects.

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