The document "Optimizing the Nation’s Investment in Academic Research: A New Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century," prepared by the Committee on Federal Research Regulations and Reporting Requirements under the National Academy of Sciences, addresses the increasingly complex federal regulatory environment facing U.S. academic research institutions. It asserts that while regulations are critical for ensuring accountability and protecting national investments in research, the proliferation and growing complexity of federal requirements have led to significant administrative burdens. These burdens divert valuable time and resources away from research and education, resulting in diminished returns on the nation’s investment.
To address these challenges, the report presents a set of overarching findings and recommendations. It calls for a critical reexamination and recalibration of the existing regulatory regime, recognizing the need for harmonization across federal agencies and for regulations that reflect the diverse nature of academic research. The committee advocates the creation of a Research Policy Board (RPB) as a public-private entity to coordinate, review, and advise on federal research policies, thereby streamlining and improving regulatory processes. Additional recommendations include strengthening institutional cultures of integrity, recalibrating the responsibilities of inspectors general to balance oversight with guidance, and reforming the handling of human subjects research, intellectual property, select agents, and export controls. The report underscores the need for collaborative and evidence-informed policy reforms to ensure that federal investments in research yield maximum public benefit and sustain America’s capacity for scientific innovation.
