The June 2023 COGR Update provides an extensive overview of current developments, initiatives, and advocacy efforts relevant to the nation’s research universities and institutions. Key highlights include ongoing responses to evolving federal regulations, notably surrounding the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy, revised OMB Uniform Guidance, and increasing research security requirements driven by various agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. The Update emphasizes the growing costs and administrative burdens associated with compliance—drawing attention to the findings of recent COGR survey reports indicating substantial financial and operational impacts on research institutions, especially regarding data management and research security obligations. COGR continues to advocate for more sustainable and equitable federal cost-reimbursement mechanisms, positing that the current frameworks are increasingly unsustainable and could ultimately threaten U.S. research leadership.
Additionally, the report outlines significant cross-sector activities, including commentary and engagement with federal agencies on research security standards (e.g., NSPM-33), cybersecurity (notably the NIST SP 800-171 updates), and ethical conduct requirements under the CHIPS & Science Act. Updates from the Office of Management and Budget reveal upcoming revisions to the Uniform Guidance, and COGR has established resources and provided feedback to ensure these changes address institutional concerns. Other focal areas include grant and contract policy updates (such as prohibitions on applications like TikTok), intellectual property and Bayh-Dole "march-in" provisions, animal and human subjects research guidance, and financial compliance issues such as F&A cost rate benchmarking and audit processes. The communication also announces COGR’s 75th anniversary celebration and encourages enhanced member engagement through new platforms like LinkedIn and the COGR Portal. Overall, the Update reflects COGR’s active role in shaping research policy, supporting institutional compliance, and promoting effective partnerships between research organizations and the federal government.
