The October 2020 Meeting Report from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides an extensive overview of current issues facing academic research administration, with particular emphasis on the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has led to significant disruptions in research activities, financial challenges, and a shift to a "pandemic normal" that includes operational uncertainties and a call for substantial renewed investment in the research enterprise. The report details ongoing efforts to monitor and analyze research losses, including the development and application of the Research Impact Metric (RIM) Model, along with regular surveys to assess the status of on-campus research and institutional responses to federal COVID-19 flexibilities. Legislative relief efforts are discussed, notably the bipartisan RISE Act, which seeks to secure additional funding to mitigate the pandemic's effects on research infrastructure.
COGR's report also documents cross-cutting regulatory and compliance issues, including the release of final OMB guidance on Uniform Guidance, updates to federal agency research terms and conditions, and ongoing developments in federal audit and compliance requirements. Science and research security remains a significant concern, detailed through discussions on foreign influence (notably Section 117 reporting and DOE/DoD orders), cybersecurity regulations, and anticipated changes in disclosure and commitment transparency. COGR provided feedback on export controls for foundational technologies and marked the 40th anniversary of the Bayh-Dole Act, highlighting its importance to technology transfer and U.S. innovation. The report further addresses research ethics and compliance, including NIH’s evolving requirements for personnel disclosures and animal welfare regulations, and the implementation of final data management and sharing policies. Throughout, COGR emphasizes collaboration among member institutions and engagement with federal agencies to navigate the evolving landscape of research administration during a period of unprecedented challenge.
