The May 2019 update from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging issues affecting research institutions, with a pronounced focus on the intersection of science, security, and regulatory policy. Key topics include responses to concerns about foreign influence in federally funded research, highlighted by extensive correspondence between Senator Grassley and major funding agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, DoD) regarding processes to safeguard research from foreign threats. This is complemented by agency-specific updates such as the Department of Defense’s expanded requirements on disclosures of foreign support, slow implementation of the Department of Energy’s policy restricting participation in foreign talent programs, and congressional initiatives like proposed visa restrictions for individuals affiliated with the Chinese military. The document also addresses institutional compliance challenges, including requirements for reporting foreign gifts (Section 117 of the Higher Education Act) and participation in export control studies initiated by the GAO.
Regulatory developments are another major theme, with detailed discussion on changes to the NIH Guidelines for research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, the push for human subjects research compliance under the revised Common Rule, and ongoing reforms to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens in academic research. The update notes legislative activity around drug pricing and patent law changes, as well as agency efforts to enhance reproducibility in science, reduce administrative burdens in animal research, and adapt to evolving standards in costing and audit practices. Additionally, issues of research misconduct, efforts to combat sexual harassment in science, and the importance of protecting research integrity are underscored, with updates on ongoing advocacy initiatives and working groups dedicated to facilities and administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement. Collectively, the report reflects an environment of heightened scrutiny on research integrity, intensified compliance obligations, and active engagement by the academic research community in influencing federal policy and maintaining robust partnerships with government and non-profit funders.
