The October 2019 COGR Meeting Report provides a thorough overview of evolving federal policies, regulatory changes, and institutional responses affecting the administration of research at U.S. colleges and universities. Key topics include expanded reporting requirements under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, increasing federal scrutiny of research security and foreign influence, and the intersecting challenges of compliance, financial administration, and data management. The report highlights significant concerns raised by COGR regarding the potential burdens and unintended consequences of these regulatory changes, particularly regarding commercialization of research and the protection of U.S. technological assets. Government panels and federal agency updates focus heavily on the balance between academic openness and the necessity of safeguarding intellectual property and national interests in light of emerging foreign threats, especially relating to China. In parallel, collaborative initiatives, such as those led by OSTP’s JCORE, are working to harmonize security, integrity, and administrative requirements across agencies.
Committee updates reflect ongoing developments in effort reporting and compensation certification, cost policy refinements (including cloud computing and F&A rate negotiations), and the complexities surrounding the administration of research grants amidst shifting legislative backdrops, such as the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp regulations and NIH’s draft data management policy. Emphasis is also placed on institutional policies for conflict of commitment, the need for internal guidance regarding outside professional activities with foreign entities, and best practices for reporting and compliance. Intellectual property sections detail slow-moving reforms in patent law, considerations for artificial intelligence, and issues related to sovereign immunity and tech transfer. Overall, the report illustrates COGR’s proactive engagement with federal agencies, advocacy for pragmatic reforms, and commitment to supporting member institutions through resources, policy guidance, and collaborative initiatives, as higher education navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
