The June 2017 Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) Meeting Report details significant developments in federal research policy, appropriations, regulatory reform, and compliance issues relevant to research universities and institutions. A major focus was the Trump Administration's FY2018 proposed budget, which called for dramatic reductions to research funding—most notably a 21% cut for NIH and an 11% cut for NSF. Congressional leaders from both parties strongly signaled opposition to these cuts, emphasizing the economic and scientific value of sustained or increased federal research investment. A particularly contentious issue was the proposal to cap Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement at 10% on NIH awards, with COGR and related associations actively advocating against this measure, highlighting its potential to undermine the federal-university research partnership and to negatively impact research infrastructure, jobs, and scientific progress.
In addition to funding concerns, the report reviews federal agency efforts to reduce regulatory burden, with multiple agencies soliciting public comments as part of the administration's directive to streamline regulations. Updates were provided on human subjects research regulations, including calls for compliance delays to the revised Common Rule and NIH policies on single IRB use in multisite research. The meeting also addressed animal research regulatory reform, data/IT compliance challenges, procurement standards, and the disbanding of the Council on Financial Assistance Reform (COFAR). On contracts and intellectual property, key discussions included changes to patent law, open licensing for Department of Education grant-funded products, and evolving challenges to university-held pharmaceutical patents in the context of public health and pricing concerns. Research compliance sessions covered research misconduct, fostering integrity in research, and confidentiality issues, with attention to the need for effective institutional leadership and clearer policies. Broadly, the report reflects an environment of uncertainty and advocacy as the research community navigates significant proposed changes in federal funding priorities, research policy, and administrative requirements.
