The May 2024 COGR Update provides a detailed overview of ongoing initiatives, policy developments, and regulatory changes affecting research administration in U.S. higher education institutions. The document opens with a message from COGR President Matt Owens, emphasizing new initiatives such as welcoming a new Director for Research Security & Intellectual Property, launching a COGR membership survey to strengthen organizational strategy, and the debut of a committee “open house” series. Owens highlights significant advocacy efforts, including COGR’s responses to proposed CMS research data access changes, joint comments to the USPTO on intellectual property and march-in rights policy, and COGR’s role in shaping the new OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, noting both the adoption of COGR recommendations and areas of emerging concern.
The update outlines plans for the June 2024 COGR Meeting, ongoing recruitment for a Costing and Financial Compliance Director, and the upcoming launch of the Emerging Research Institutions (ERI) Pilot Program. It addresses cross-cutting regulatory issues, such as the rollout of the revised 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, changes in research security requirements including new foreign financial disclosure mandates from NSF, and comprehensive responses to updated federal guidance on data management, cybersecurity, export controls, and research ethics. The document further details new and updated federal regulations related to grant and contract administration, cost reimbursement and F&A (indirect) cost caps, audit and compliance developments, as well as efforts to mitigate administrative burden and regulatory ambiguity. The Update also highlights continued collaboration among COGR, federal agencies, and peer organizations, with a focus on safeguarding research integrity, supporting compliance adaptation across member institutions, and facilitating open dialogue on emerging legislative proposals impacting higher education research. In summary, the May 2024 COGR Update reflects a multifaceted, proactive approach to research administration, encompassing policy advocacy, regulatory analysis, operational guidance, and community engagement.
