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.
Ìý

Mentor Awards

Our Mentor Award recognizes campus individuals supporting undergraduates on research and creative projects, regardless of UROP funding.

March 27, 2026


UROP Mentor Award nominations are due by 5:00 pm MST on March 27, 2026, and decisions will be sent in April 2026.

Mentor Eligibility

Tenured/tenure-track research faculty, teaching faculty, postdocs and graduate students at the Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ and Anschutz Medical Campus are eligible for UROP's Mentor Award. Students are invited to nominate their mentors regardless of program funding, and we welcome submissions from early-stage researchers and creative practitioners.

Award recipients will have the option to award an Assistantship to an eligible undergraduate of their choosing in the next academic year.

Prepare a Nomination

1,000 word maximum: Explain how your mentor has excelled in the following:

  • Training
  • Professional Development
  • Ongoing Support
  • Evaluations and Feedback
  • Impact on Learning and Development
Ìý

Group Nominations

Students are able to submit group nominations by including a list of additional contributors on the form.

Summer Projects

Students can nominate their mentors based on their experiences in the summer grant term by submitting nominations any time before the spring deadline, though decisions won't be sent until late in the spring semester.

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities.Ìý

Support UROP