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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Personal Reflection

Student's Questions

ÌýÌý (1/7)

Working on this project with my mentor...

  1. contributed to my professional development.
  2. contributed to my personal development.
  3. made good use of my time.
  4. refined my goals and clarified my career path.
  5. increased my self-confidence.
  • Optional: What was the most valuable part of your experience working on this project?
Details

Possible Responses

  • No
  • Maybe
  • Yes
Journaling Inspiration
  • How do you identify (or not) with your project's academic discipline? What helped or hindered?
  • What do you think are your greatest professional and personal accomplishments? Are they what you expected?
  • How did this experience clarify, complicate or otherwise advance your career plans? When did your thinking change?

Empower inspiring students with transformative opportunities.Ìý

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