The document outlines the agenda for the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) meeting scheduled at the Washington Marriott Hotel on October 25-26, 2018, and provides key logistical information for participants, including accommodation arrangements, registration deadlines, and cancellation policies. The agenda features a series of panel discussions and presentations addressing current and significant topics in the research and higher education sectors. Notable sessions include panels on research rigor and reproducibility, highlighting federal and nonprofit initiatives as well as institutional strategies for improving scientific standards; and the introduction of COGR’s Facilities & Administrative (F&A) paper, which aims to memorialize advocacy efforts related to federal reimbursement policies.
Additionally, the meeting will address rising concerns about foreign threats to U.S. research and national security, particularly in light of increased scrutiny on international collaborations, with insights from federal officials and policy experts. Another essential topic is sexual harassment in research settings, with updates on new reporting requirements and practical implications for grantee institutions. The agenda also includes a session on the federal budget for research, presentations from SciLine on improving public communication of science, committee reports, and opportunities for member engagement and networking. The program is structured to facilitate informed dialogue among stakeholders in research administration and policy, emphasizing regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and the broader context of federal research funding and collaboration.