Membership & Institutional Participation

COGR member institutions include over 230 leading research institutions across the United States, encompassing:

• Public and private research universities
• Academic medical centers
• Independent research institutes

The membership includes research institutions from nearly every U.S. state and the District of Columbia with a wide range of annual federal research expenditures, diverse ranges of research activities and focus, and include HBCU’s, HSIs, and other MSIs. COGR member institutions are represented by senior administrators in research, finance, compliance, technology transfer, legal, and government relations.

Our member institutions are deeply engaged in federally funded research and play a critical role in shaping national research policy.

Helpful Links:

• COGR Member Institutions
• COGR Benefits of Membership & Trifold Brochure
• COGR’s Year in Review
• COGR Annual Membership Dues FY 26

To qualify for membership, an institution must:

• Be a U.S.-based research university, affiliated medical center, or independent research institute
• A non-profit entity
• Have at least $15 million in federally sponsored research expenditures annually as reported on the NSF HERD (or equivalent)
• Be a doctoral degree granting institution or have a formal affiliation with a COGR member institution that is
• Not be a professional association or commercial entity

COGR membership is institution based. There are no university system-wide memberships. Institutions that report separately on the NSF HERD and meet the membership criteria are required to hold their own membership to participate in COGR.

1. Initial Inquiry: Institutions interested in membership should contact memberservices@!zilch!cogr.edu  to express interest and ask questions about the application process.
2. Submission: Applications must include a letter on institutional letterhead expressing interest in becoming a COGR member and signed by the institution’s Vice President or Associate Vice President for Research (or equivalent). The application should include the institution’s annual federal research expenditures (as reported on the most recent NSF HERD survey or equivalent) and it is a doctoral degree granting institution.  Applications should be sent directly to memberservices@!zilch!cogr.edu and addressed to Toni Russo, Chief Operating Officer.  
3. Endorsement: (if applicable): Institutions that do not have a doctoral degree granting program but are formally affiliated with a COGR member institution that does must include a letter of support from the COGR member institution. There is no difference in Membership Benefits between a regular member and an affiliate member.
4. Review: The COGR Board of Directors reviews all applications to ensure alignment with membership criteria and COGR’s mission.
5. Approval: Upon approval by the Board of Directors, the institution is formally accepted into the membership and enjoys all benefits of COGR membership.

Each member institution appoints a Primary Representative, who:

• Serves as the main point of contact with COGR, including ensuring the annual dues invoice is paid.
• Cast their institutional vote on matters requiring a vote of the membership.

All staff at member institutions are eligible and encouraged to sign up for access to the COGR Portal, which allows access to the COGR Listserv, member only materials, event registration, and more.  

Please reach out to memberservices@!zilch!cogr.edu with any questions about membership.