The document presents a comprehensive update from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), welcoming new institutional members and outlining key dates, such as upcoming board nominations, in-person meetings, and the organization's 75th anniversary celebration. Significant focus is given to the implementation of the NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) policy, including institutional experiences, challenges with budgeting for DMS costs, and hopes attached to an upcoming FDP pilot addressing single line-item budgeting issues. The feedback gathered offers insight into areas where institutions are still adjusting, particularly regarding proposal requirements, repository selection, and ongoing compliance with NIH mandates.
The document also summarizes the current priorities and activities of several COGR committees. The Research Ethics & Compliance (REC) Committee is actively addressing conflict of interest and commitment concerns, regulatory inconsistencies, and developments in research integrity, security, and animal research regulation. The Research Security & Intellectual Property (RSIP) Committee highlights community engagement on research security planning and legislative updates impacting research and intellectual property, while noting potential changes in domestic manufacturing policy. The Contracts & Grants Administration (CGA) Committee is focusing on ongoing NIH initiatives (such as data management, other transactional authority, and modular grants), federal reporting requirements, and research environment considerations. The Costing and Financial Compliance (CFC) Committee is addressing survey participation, changes in federal policy and oversight, and matters related to compliance and federal grants management. Collectively, these updates highlight COGR's ongoing efforts to support its membership through evolving federal requirements, policy developments, and efforts to promote effective research administration and compliance practices.
