The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) scheduled its meeting for October 20-21, 2016, at the Washington Marriott Hotel, providing detailed logistical information regarding registration, hotel accommodations, and cancellation policies. The agenda underscores COGR's commitment to fostering dialogue on key issues in research administration, compliance, and regulatory reforms. Sessions will include updates on the latest developments in research compliance, including presentations from the Office of Research Integrity on their ongoing initiatives. Attendees will also engage in discussions about recent federal policy changes, such as the NIH’s single IRB policy and public access to research data, as well as financial topics like the F&A (facilities and administrative) rate negotiation landscape and relevant compliance issues.
The program features several high-profile speakers, including Dr. Rush Holt, Chief Executive Officer of AAAS, who will share insights on the state of scientific research and public perceptions. Panels will analyze recent regulatory reform efforts and legislative proposals, with contributions from representatives of major oversight bodies and universities. Another focal area will be the expanding role of technology transfer offices, highlighting their involvement in economic development and industry partnerships. The meeting concludes with committee reports on research compliance, contracts, costing policies, and regulatory reform, offering members a platform to discuss ongoing challenges and future directions in research administration. Overall, the agenda reflects COGR’s ongoing efforts to address pressing administrative, regulatory, and innovation-oriented challenges facing research institutions.
