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.

CU Boulder’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.
 

Context & Objectives

200 words maximum: Situate your project within other work in the field by providing a summary of the work done and discuss the theoretical traditions influencing your project.  State the specific objectives/purpose of your project. Explain the project's relevance and who stands to benefit.  Note what is original about your project and what contribution it makes to the field.

Creative/Performance Projects: Tell us the objectives, points of curiosity from which you're starting, hypothesis or question you're exploring and the guiding principles of the work.  Discuss what theoretical, aesthetic, and/or creative traditions influence your project. Include what contributions you're making to the field.  Discuss where and when the final project will be exhibited, displayed or performed. Include your own creative/performance history.

Section Advice

UROP reviewers are experienced researchers and creative practitioners but may not be familiar with the specific terminology in your field. Please avoid jargon and be sure to guide readers into the context of the project. Make your objectives clear and check that your goals are reflected in your timeline.

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