The Committee on Governmental Relations (COGR) serves as the principal authority and advocate for U.S. academic research institutions on federal research policy, regulations, and compliance matters impacting the national research ecosystem. Founded in 1948, COGR is dedicated to strengthening the partnership between research institutions and the federal government to promote scientific advancement, maximize taxpayer investment, and maintain high standards of research integrity and accountability. The organization’s mission, recently reaffirmed by its Board of Directors, emphasizes advocating for effective, efficient research policies while balancing the interests of researchers, institutions, and their federal partners.
COGR’s work is organized around specialized committees, each addressing urgent regulatory and policy issues. Recent reports highlight the increasing regulatory requirements faced by federally funded research since 1991 and ongoing concerns about administrative burdens, as documented in sources like “Addressing Red Tape.” The Costing and Financial Compliance Committee focuses on interpretation and advocacy regarding Uniform Guidance and indirect cost (F&A) policies, while the Research Ethics & Compliance Committee addresses research misconduct, dual use research, and compliance with evolving federal data and biosafety standards. The Research Security & Intellectual Property Committee engages with the Bureau of Industry and Security on regulatory changes driven by geopolitical concerns and promotes clarity in export control compliance and fundamental research protections. Finally, the Contracts & Grants Administration Committee is actively involved in harmonizing federal agency forms, addressing new contracting standards, and supporting public access and program management policy implementation. Across these areas, COGR leverages the expertise of senior research administrators from leading U.S. institutions to build consensus, provide federal agencies with rigorous analyses, and ensure the research community’s voice shapes policy outcomes.
