Business Details
50+ Years
experience
COGR | Advocating for U.S. Research Institutions
COGR is a national authority on federal policies and regulations affecting U.S. research institutions. Established in 1948, we support over 230 member institutions through advocacy, policy development, and compliance guidance. Our mission focuses on strengthening the federal-academic research partnership to advance science, technology, and knowledge. We provide expertise in research administration, financial oversight, and intellectual property management. Our work addresses administrative burdens, cybersecurity, human subjects research, and federal funding regulations.We host three annual membership meetings and webinars to keep institutions informed on evolving policy landscapes. Our team includes professionals with decades of experience in university administration and federal agency collaboration. We advocate for policies that maximize research investments while minimizing compliance challenges. Our members include leading research universities, medical centers, and institutes across the United States. Through our 75-year legacy, we remain committed to fostering innovation and addressing systemic challenges in academic research.
Services
Policy Advocacy
Research Compliance
Federal Regulation Guidance
Membership Meetings
Cybersecurity Policy
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We have 75 years of experience shaping federal research policy
- We represent over 230 leading research institutions nationwide
- Our staff includes experts in research compliance and administration
- We provide specialized policy resources on cybersecurity and grants management
- We maintain direct engagement with federal agencies and policymakers
Services
Policy Advocacy
We advocate for effective federal policies affecting academic research institutions. Our team engages with policymakers to shape regulations on research funding, compliance, and intellectual property. We represent member interests in congressional and agency discussions.
Research Compliance
We provide expert guidance on compliance with federal research regulations. Our resources address human subjects research, animal welfare, conflict of interest, and data management requirements. We help institutions navigate complex compliance frameworks.
Membership Meetings
We host three annual meetings and regular webinars for member institutions. These events provide updates on policy changes, compliance challenges, and research administration best practices. Members gain access to networking and professional development opportunities.
Cybersecurity Policy
We develop policy frameworks for cybersecurity in academic research. Our work addresses controlled unclassified information, export controls, and research security requirements. We help institutions implement effective cybersecurity practices while maintaining research integrity.
Federal Regulation Guidance
We offer specialized support for navigating federal research regulations. Our expertise covers Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Bayh-Dole Act requirements, and contracting issues. We provide resources to help institutions maintain compliance while maximizing research impact.
People
M. Matthew Owens
President
President of COGR with over 20 years of experience in federal relations. Previously served as Interim President at AAU and in leadership roles at Stanford University. Holds a Master of Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill.
Kristin West
Director of Research Ethics
Director of Research Ethics and Compliance with 15 years of experience in research compliance at Emory University. Former trial attorney at Department of Justice. Holds J.D. from Mercer University and M.S. in drug regulatory affairs.
Krystal Toups
Director of Contracts
Director for Contracts & Grants Administration with 17 years of research administration experience. Former Assistant Vice Provost at Rice University. Certified Research Administrator with Executive MBA from Texas Woman's University.
Kevin Wozniak
Director of Research Security
Director of Research Security with 25 years of technology transfer experience. Former Executive Director at Georgia Tech. Registered Technology Transfer Professional with MBA from University of Georgia.
Cynthia Hope
Director of Financial Compliance
Director for Costing & Financial Compliance with 25 years of research administration experience. Former Associate VP at Georgia Tech and Assistant Controller at UAB. Certified Public Accountant (inactive) with degrees from University of Alabama.
Questions
What is COGR's primary mission?
COGR advances federal policies that support U.S. academic research institutions through advocacy, compliance resources, and policy expertise.
Who can join COGR?
COGR membership includes over 230 research universities, academic medical centers, and independent research institutes across the United States.
What policy areas does COGR focus on?
We address research compliance, federal funding regulations, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and administrative burden reduction for research institutions.
How does COGR engage with federal agencies?
Our staff maintains regular contact with federal research agencies to provide policy input and keep members informed about regulatory developments.
What resources does COGR offer members?
Members receive policy updates, compliance guidance, networking opportunities, and access to three annual meetings and specialized webinars.
