The October 2023 meeting held by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) at the Washington Marriott Hotel featured a comprehensive agenda focused on key policy, regulatory, and operational topics relevant to research administration and compliance. The event opened with presentations on the results and ongoing analysis of the 2023 F&A (Facilities and Administrative) Institutional Survey, as well as proposed revisions to federal Uniform Guidance, with panel discussions on response strategies and timelines. Sessions highlighted broader trends affecting research institutions, including challenges related to administrative burden and compliance costs, research security, and updates from the Office of Research Integrity. Notably, a guest lecture by Robert Costa provided political insights leading up to the 2024 election, while additional panels brought together leading federal agency representatives to discuss research security risk assessments and GAO representatives to address federal oversight on foreign subrecipients and Institutional Review Boards.
The second day included in-depth discussions on the institutional impact of escalating compliance requirements and administrative burdens associated with federal research regulations. Panels also reviewed recent developments in legislative and policy landscapes affecting research institutions, as well as committee updates on ongoing initiatives and emerging priorities. The agenda balanced informational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, including a 75th anniversary celebration, reflecting COGR’s continued leadership in convening key stakeholders to address complex and evolving challenges in the academic research enterprise.
