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.
 

Additional Prompts

Student's Prompts

  • Will you be at least 18 years of age by the time you intend to travel?
  • Destination(s): Country, State/Province/Region, City, Zip/Postal Code
  • Lodging(s): Name, Street Address, Phone
  • Emergency Contact: Name, Phone, Email and Relationship
  • Hospital or Medical Facility: Name, Street Address, and Phone
  • Have you completed the international travel registration process?
    • Yes: Attach your approval email.
    • No: (100 words maximum) Explain your plan to complete the international travel registration process.

Mentor's Prompt

  • 100 words maximum: Explain how you will support your mentee's domestic or international travel plans.

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