The document outlines a detailed session conducted on August 15, 2025, by the Joint Associations Group (JAG) and the Costing and Financial Compliance (CFC) Committee, focusing on the FAIR (Financial Accountability in Research) Model for research reimbursement. The agenda included a discussion on institutional modeling options, practical methods for direct charging under the FAIR framework, and addressed alternative charging considerations. The session featured prominent panelists from major research universities and organizations, bringing expertise in research administration, costing, and financial compliance. The discussion provided comparative perspectives on the FAIR Model versus the traditional Facilities & Administrative (F&A) reimbursement system, emphasizing the FAIR Model’s goals of increasing accountability, transparency, and adaptability for institutions of varying sizes and capacities. The model proposes more explicit costing of research elements, alignment of costs with project activities, and improved tracking of expenditures.
Further, the document delves into specific strategies for cost allocation across categories such as Essential Research Performance Facilities (ERPF), Regulatory Costs (RC), Research Information Services (RIS), and Award Monitoring, Oversight, and Reporting (AMOR). Several practical considerations and challenges were raised, including allocation bases, the balance between precision and administrative efficiency, and the need for potential changes to federal policies and administrative systems. Concerns about the impact of the FAIR Model on available funding, administrative workload, compliance, and auditing were central discussion points. The session encouraged robust participant interaction under Chatham House Rule, aiming to foster candid dialogue about the future direction of research funding and cost recovery models. Upcoming COGR events were also highlighted for continued engagement on these evolving topics.
