The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing 190 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutions, submitted recommendations to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in response to a request for information regarding the advancement of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion within biomedical research and the reduction of health disparities. COGR acknowledges NIH’s UNITE initiative aimed at addressing structural racism and supports continued efforts towards inclusivity. The organization emphasizes the need for NIH to actively involve a wide range of research administrators, particularly from under-resourced and less research-intensive institutions, in policy development and evaluation to better understand and address distinct challenges they face. This involvement would help prevent unintended consequences and improve equitable access to funding opportunities.
COGR further recommends the standardization and ongoing assessment of current policies through diverse, representative committees, and supports increased investment in the NIH Diversity Program Consortium if proven effective. The council highlights the importance of validating research interests that address health issues disproportionately affecting minority communities within grant review criteria. To alleviate disparities, it suggests setting limits on administrative burdens, recognizing the disproportionate impact of existing cost reimbursement caps on smaller institutions, including HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions. Additional recommendations include establishing fellowship programs that match scientists from minority-serving institutions with experienced mentors, and developing strategies to reduce barriers in clinical trial enrollment for minority populations. These actions are proposed to foster a more equitable, inclusive, and effective biomedical research environment.
