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.
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Stay Curious and Keep Connecting
is a program managed by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), to support domestic students interested in going to graduate school. Students who enroll in the program will receive information about applying to and succeeding in graduate school as well as have their contact information shared with other universities in the NNE network who may have programs that are a good fit for their needs and goals. The open enrollment period for students runs from mid-March through mid-June.
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Our campus hosts many programs that provide funding to students interested in research, creative work, internships and more. Students will also find opportunities beyond Boulder.