The document is a formal correspondence from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) addressed to Drs. Kay Lund and Henry Khachaturian of the National Institutes of Health. Written on behalf of COGR and the Research Compliance Committee, the letter aims to summarize and reiterate key discussion points from a previously held meeting concerning guidance and policies for federally funded postdoctoral researchers, particularly those supported by National Research Service Award (NRSA) and other federal fellowships. The primary focus is on the proper budgeting and implementation of stipend increases for postdoctoral fellows, clarifying how institutions should handle and communicate stipend changes, and delineating the procedures for supplementing stipends, seeking supplemental funding, and managing cost sharing without requiring prior NIH approval for voluntary increases.
Furthermore, the document requests clear guidelines for handling postdoc safety net policies, overtime pay, and internal institutional contributions, emphasizing the need for consistent, transparent, and flexible practices across research universities. The letter expresses appreciation for ongoing dialogue and recognizes the NIH’s efforts to address the concerns raised by numerous institutions, while also inviting continued collaboration to ensure a shared understanding and effective future guidance on these administrative and financial matters.
