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.

麻豆免费版下载Boulder鈥檚 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.

Proposal Tips

Student Grants Guide

听Resources

State your 鈥渢hesis鈥 first.

Start with the purpose of your work to get reviewers鈥 attention.

Frame the 鈥渂igger picture.鈥

Place your project in the context of the field of study.

Highlight broader impacts.

Be clear about the benefits of your project beyond impact in the field of study.

Answer 鈥淪o what?鈥

Be sure reviewers understand why the project is needed.

Communicate urgency.

Explain why the project is not only needed鈥攂ut needed now.

Avoid jargon.

Use language accessible to reviewers who might not be familiar with the topic.

Leave out citations.

UROP accepts the mentor endorsement as verification of sources without citation.

Consider consulting with the 麻豆免费版下载Boulder Writing Center as you draft your proposal.

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