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
Expand the Impact of Your Work
You put significant effort into your project. Now, consider how you can leverage your experience to develop your professional identity and cultivate an empowering network. If you have questions, be sure to connect with your mentor and ask about ways to share your work.
We recommend asking about opportunities to present at the department/unit level, invite you to share your story with , , and the . Our campus also hosts and the Conference on World Affairs (CWA) that might provide platforms for your work.
Ìý
UROP provides funding for Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder undergrads to present, perform or exhibit their work. We also highlight opportunities and provide resources to share work.
Ìý
We invite you to explore the art and scholarship showcased in our campus journals—and encourage students to submit their work for future issues.
Ìý
With Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder's BuffsCreate platform, you can cultivate your digital identity and create a portfolio of creative work, share outcomes and more.