Policy Perspective
COGR Responds to NIH Request for Information (RFI) on Proposed Guidance to Assured Institutions on Cephalopod Care and Use (NOT-OD-23-176)
COGR submitted a response to the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare’s (OLAW) Request for Information on Proposed Guidance to Assured Institutions concerning the care and use of cephalopods in research. While COGR supports the advancement of animal welfare and recognizes the evolving scientific understanding of cephalopod care, it expresses significant concerns about the scope and basis of OLA
COGR Submits Comments to ORI on Public Health Service Policies on Research Misconduct Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing over 200 major U.S. research universities and affiliates, submits extensive comments regarding the Office of Research Integrity's (ORI) proposed revisions to the Public Health Service (PHS) Policies on Research Misconduct. COGR expresses significant concerns that the proposed regulations, intended to clarify and streamline the researc
COGR Responds to OMB's NPRM on Guidance for Grants & Agreements "Uniform Guidance"
The document is a formal response from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing over 200 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutions, to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed revisions to 2 CFR Chapters 1 and 2. COGR commends OMB for its transparency and dedication throughout the rulemaking process but highlights several areas where the proposed changes
COGR Responds to Request for Information (RFI) on an Update to the Current OLAW Guidance Disclaimer
COGR responded to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare’s (OLAW) Request for Information regarding its proposed guidance disclaimer, expressing concern that the current wording incorrectly suggests OLAW can expand regulatory requirements beyond Congressional authority. COGR recommends that OLAW revise the disclaimer to clearly state that guidance documents are recommendations, not binding requir
COGR Responds to RFI on Potential Changes to the Policies for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and the Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight (P3CO) Policy Framework
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing over 200 U.S. research universities and related institutions, submitted detailed comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) regarding proposed changes to the oversight policies for Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight (P3CO). While COGR emphasizes its strong commitment t
Analysis of NIST Safeguarding International Science Research Security Framework
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Safeguarding International Science Research Security Framework, released in August 2023. Developed to address requirements set out in Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) and other U.S. government research security policies, the Framework is a comprehensive guide for designing institutional rese
COGR Responds to RFI on Flexibilities for Streamlining IACUC Review of Protocols and Significant Changes (NOT-OD-23-152)
COGR submitted formal comments in response to the NIH’s Request for Information (RFI) regarding flexibilities for streamlining Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review processes. COGR emphasizes the importance of maintaining animal welfare and research integrity while advocating for efficient regulatory frameworks that minimize unnecessary administrative burdens, as mandated by t
COGR Responds to Proposed Amendments to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) (88 FR 54332)
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing over 200 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutions, submitted comments to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding proposed amendments to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. COGR supports the NIH's efforts to enhance safety and align its guidelines with the C
COGR, APLU, and AAU Submit Joint Response to Request for Public Comment on Common Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support for Use in Submission of Research Applications
The letter, jointly submitted by COGR, AAU, and APLU, provides formal feedback to the National Science Foundation (NSF) on proposed revisions to the Common Disclosure Forms for biographical sketches and current and pending (other) support, used in research application submissions. The organizations commend the NSF and relevant agencies for their responsiveness to prior community input, especially
COGR Submits Response to Congressional RFI on Federal Regulation of CBD Products
COGR submitted comments in response to a federal Request for Information regarding cannabidiol (CBD). COGR’s letter emphasizes the importance of continued research into the safety and effectiveness of CBD and other cannabinoids, noting that ambiguous and restrictive federal regulations currently hinder scientific advancements in this area. The organization describes the difficulties that researche
