The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) is an association representing over 140 research-intensive universities and affiliated research foundations in the United States. Founded in 1948 to manage emerging university-government relationships as federal investment in academic research grew, COGR evolved into a focused body advocating for the interests of major research institutions. Its mission centers on promoting sound policies for research administration, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and minimizing unnecessary administrative burdens, thereby maximizing the public benefits derived from research and scholarship. COGR does not represent individual universities in agency matters but rather develops consensus-based positions and guidance for the collective benefit of its research university membership.
Organizationally, COGR is governed by a Board of Directors, supported by standing committees and a small professional staff based in Washington, D.C. Its activities include policy analysis, development of best practices, direct engagement with federal agencies, regulatory monitoring, and dissemination of information critical to the effective management of federally sponsored research. COGR addresses key issues such as research ethics, cost recovery, intellectual property, grant administration, and compliance, with the aim of fostering effective government-university partnerships. Membership is restricted to institutions meeting strict research and graduate education criteria, ensuring the group’s independence and influence in federal research policy. COGR serves as an essential resource and advocate for the U.S. research university community, providing timely analysis, policy guidance, and a forum for collaboration on issues central to the conduct of academic research.
