The document is a formal correspondence from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) to Drs. Kay Lund and Henry Khachaturian at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), following a recent meeting regarding postdoctoral research funding and compliance. The letter, sent by Jackie Bendall, outlines the key concerns and requests for clarification raised by COGR and research compliance committees at major research universities. Central topics include guidance on budgeting and applying stipend increases for National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellows and postdoctoral researchers, with particular emphasis on how “well-funded” laboratories should handle future year funding and the evaluation of clear, consistent policies to ensure that increased stipend and salary levels can be accommodated across various federally funded programs.
COGR specifically seeks NIH's confirmation that institutions can rebudget to accommodate stipend increases and are not required to seek separate NIH approval for higher postdoctoral salaries, provided funds are available within their internal sources. There is an emphasis on the importance of maintaining a prestigious standard for NRSA fellowships, ensuring competitive compensation, and providing institutions with clear policy guidance as they develop new applications and manage existing awards amid changing cost requirements. The letter concludes with an appreciation for NIH’s ongoing willingness to address community concerns and commits to continued communication as further questions arise.
