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.

Â鶹Ãâ·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.
Ìý

Travel Projects

Student Grants Guide

ÌýÌý(G/G) Applicant Eligibility

UROP supports research and creative work that involves travel, and we encourage students planning travel to connect with us early in the planning process. Our guidelines require thatÌý

  1. students’ travel plans are necessitated by project goals,ÌýAND
  2. the majority of the students’ time abroad is invested in project activities.

Students participating in institutionally or externally organized programs are not eligible for UROP funding during the grant term in which the program occurs—even if the program involves on-site research OR students intend to pursue projects either concurrently or consecutively with the study abroad program. Students may apply for UROP funding in a grant term either before OR after a term involving a study abroad program.Ìý

For example: If a student plans to participate in a study abroad program during the Summer term, they may apply for UROP funding in the following Academic Year. Conversely, students may apply for UROP funding for the Summer term—even if they plan to participate in a study abroad program in the Academic Year.

Compliance Procedures

Student Grants involving travel are subject to additional guidelines and require the completion of additional prompts during the application process. We encourage applicants to look ahead at these compliance procedures.

Student Grants Guide

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities.Ìý

Support UROP