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.
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Pathways and Resources to Broaden Participation
McNair Scholars
If you're a first-generation and income-eligible CU Boulder undergrad interested in grad school, don’t miss this opportunity for research, mentorship, and support.
SACNAS
SACNAS, or the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science, hosts the National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference and much more.
UR2PhD
Hosted by the Computing Research Association (CRA), the Undergraduate Research to PhD program (UR2PhD) aims to improve and increase mentored research experiences.
oSTEM
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a professional association for LGBTQ+ people and allies in the STEM community.Ìý
The PhD Project
The PhD Project helps business professionals and students from various backgrounds earn PhDs so they can inspire and educate the next generation of business leaders.
CientÃfico Latino
CientÃfico Latino aims to increase the number of scientists from underserved communities in higher education in the sciences through mentorship, open-access resources, and more.
NSF ETAP
NSF (National Science Foundation) Education and Training Application (ETAP) is an easy way to discover and apply to opportunities that strengthen your academic career.
Pathways to Science
Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP) aims to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce by providing resources and support.