Policy Perspective
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
COGR's 2022-2023 Year In Review
The 2022-2023 Year in Review for the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) highlights the association’s commitment to advocating on behalf of over 200 leading U.S. public and private research universities, academic medical centers, and research institutes. During the past year, COGR focused intensively on fostering a robust partnership between research institutions and the federal government, a
COGR Analysis on Executive Order 14104 “Federal Research and Development in Support of Domestic Manufacturing and U.S. Jobs”
COGR provides an analysis of Executive Order 14104, which aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and job creation through the commercialization of federally funded research and development. The order introduces new requirements for federal agencies and research institutions, including enhanced reporting on invention commercialization and manufacturing locations, the standardization of technolog
COGR and AAU Team to Submit Input on the Ongoing Discussion Regarding NIH's Levers to Catalyze Technology Transfer
The letter, jointly submitted by the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), provides detailed input in response to an NIH workshop on technology transfer and the transformation of research discoveries into commercial products. Representing a broad consortium of leading research universities and affiliated institutions, the authors emphasize the
COGR Responds to OLAW's Request for Information (RFI) on Clarification of Animal Activities Exempt from PHS Policy Requirements for IACUC Review (NOT-OD-23-119)
COGR submitted comments in response to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare’s (OLAW) Request for Information regarding clarification of animal activities exempt from Public Health Service (PHS) Policy requirements for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review. COGR expressed appreciation for the opportunity to comment but noted that the RFI r
