The session documented at the February 25, 2016 COGR Meeting highlighted ongoing efforts by universities and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to mitigate administrative and regulatory burdens in research. Reflecting concerns raised in prominent national reports, the session aimed to provide concrete examples of initiatives that streamline administrative processes for investigators and administrators. Panelists from the NSF, Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan presented strategies implemented at their institutions to balance regulatory compliance with the practical needs of researchers, reduce unnecessary or duplicative requirements, and enhance overall efficiency.
Stanford University's approach included collaborative policy development, integrated systems, and targeted feedback mechanisms to identify and alleviate pain points throughout the research administration process. Harvard University streamlined policies and procedures through dedicated committees, consolidating redundancies and optimizing review processes in areas such as clinical research and animal care. The University of Michigan demonstrated its commitment to continuous process improvement through advisory committees, data-driven oversight, and the adoption of flexible, risk-based approaches to research review. Collectively, these institutions emphasized the value of stakeholder engagement, leveraging technology, and revising self-imposed burdens to foster a more supportive administrative environment for federally funded research, while upholding compliance and research integrity.
