The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) is an association composed of over 140 leading research-intensive universities in the United States. Established in 1948 in response to the growing federal investment in academic research, COGR's primary mission is to represent the collective interests of its member universities in matters related to federal research policy, regulation, and compliance. The organization serves as a principal source of analysis and advocacy regarding governmental policies that affect research operations, seeking to balance administrative accountability with the practical needs of universities conducting federally sponsored research. COGR’s vision emphasizes minimizing regulatory burden, facilitating government-university partnerships, and maximizing public benefit from research investments.
COGR operates through a structured governance model featuring an eighteen-member Board of Directors and several standing committees specializing in areas such as costing policies, research administration, and intellectual property. The Council maintains close collaboration with related higher education associations and federal agencies, engaging in a range of activities including policy analysis, advocacy, publication of guidance documents, and facilitation of communication among stakeholders. COGR’s activities are designed to inform both policy and administrative practice, promoting the responsible conduct of research, sound financial practices, ethical standards, protection of research integrity, and the fair management of intellectual property. Membership is limited to research universities and affiliated foundations with substantial federally sponsored research activity, ensuring representational focus and independence in advocacy. The Council regularly communicates with its members via meetings, memoranda, email updates, and a secure website, and encourages member engagement in addressing broad policy concerns impacting the academic research community.
