The "Research Impact Under COVID-19 – January 2021 Addendum," released by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), examines the severe disruptions COVID-19 has inflicted upon the U.S. research enterprise. Utilizing an updated Research Impact Metric (RIM) model, the addendum presents new data reflecting significant losses in research output—ranging from 20 to 40 percent—and financial setbacks amounting to hundreds of millions at individual institutions, with national losses potentially reaching tens of billions of dollars. These disruptions have manifested through interrupted, altered, or cancelled research projects, permanent losses of experiments and specimens, and a concerning erosion of talent, particularly among graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The report cautions that such losses threaten not only the United States’ global research leadership but also its national security and economic stability.
COGR emphasizes the urgency for a coordinated, robust response, highlighting the historical importance of the Federal Government–Research Institution Partnership in maintaining U.S. research vitality. Drawing on expanded case studies, the addendum underscores that, beyond financial repercussions, the long-term consequences include delays or potential permanent setbacks in discovery and innovation. The COGR calls on all stakeholders to commit to renewed investment and support for the research enterprise, warning that inaction could result in irreparable harm to U.S. competitiveness and its status as a global standard-bearer in research.
