The May 2020 Update from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides an extensive overview of the challenges and developments affecting research institutions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and broader issues concerning research administration, compliance, and security. The document highlights COGR’s shift to a virtual format for its June 2020 meeting in response to ongoing public health concerns and underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting member institutions with timely resources, including webinars, FAQs, and curated agency guidance. COGR acknowledges the significant efforts of its COVID-19 Workgroup in facilitating institutional responses and details its ongoing survey efforts to track the operational impacts of the pandemic across the research community.
The update addresses major cross-cutting issues, focusing firstly on the consequences of COVID-19 for research operations, financial compliance, and legislative developments. It summarizes key federal legislative actions—including various appropriations and relief acts—and outlines updated regulations and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding administrative flexibilities and financial oversight. In terms of research security, the report discusses heightened federal and congressional scrutiny of foreign influence in U.S. research, especially regarding relationships with China, and notes recent legislative and regulatory initiatives such as the revision of Section 117 reporting requirements and new export controls. The update also details collaborative efforts by COGR to influence policy, including responses to open federal consultations on research data sharing, public access, and regulatory transparency, as well as direct engagement with agencies on topics like cybersecurity, export controls, and cannabis research regulation. Additional sections cover the implications of the pandemic for clinical and animal research ethics, regulatory compliance developments, and practical concerns related to costing, audits, and grant administration. Throughout, COGR emphasizes the need for continued communication among stakeholders and adaptability in meeting both longstanding and emergent challenges in the research environment.
