The 2018 COGR Survey Report examines how leading U.S. research universities, medical centers, and research institutes support research quality, rigor, and reproducibility, in response to heightened attention from federal agencies such as NIH and NSF. Drawing on survey responses from approximately one-third of COGR’s membership, the report finds that all responding institutions provide at least some centrally available resources to promote research quality, such as computing, biostatistics, data management, mentoring, and grant proposal support, with many of these offered free of charge or through cost-recovery mechanisms. Specific institutional initiatives highlighted include centralized web repositories, training workshops, specialized support units, and dedicated programs like Columbia University's ReaDI and University of Michigan Medical School's dedicated web resources on research rigor. However, the breadth and consistency of these offerings vary significantly both across and within institutions, and awareness among faculty and researchers of the available resources is inconsistent.
The report also details efforts to address NIH’s requirements for rigor and reproducibility and notes widespread but uneven practices around data repositories, incentives for reproducible research, and institutional review of research design prior to funding submissions. Most institutions provide statistical consulting and support services, and there is growing attention to training in research methods, data management, and transparency, though requirements for such training are often fragmented or managed at the department or program level. While only a minority of institutions offer explicit incentives for reproducibility and transparency, some are developing or piloting new programs to encourage good practice. The report concludes that, while research institutions are taking significant steps to support research quality and reproducibility, greater central coordination, increased awareness, systematic assessment, and expanded incentives could further strengthen these efforts. COGR commits to assisting its member institutions by consolidating resource information and exploring additional ways to promote reproducibility and address remaining barriers.
