We are excited to share a major step forward in the movement to end animal experimentation: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to reduce reliance on animals in federally funded research—and to prioritize investment in modern, human-relevant alternatives.
For decades, NAVS and our supporters have worked tirelessly to advance smarter, more ethical science. We’ve advocated for policy reform, funded the development of non-animal research models through IFER, and educated the public and scientific community about the urgent need to shift away from outdated animal experiments. This announcement from the NIH marks a turning point—and it wouldn’t have happened without a growing chorus of voices like yours demanding change.
The NIH’s new initiative includes the creation of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA)—a dedicated hub to expand the development and adoption of non-animal research tools such as organoids, tissue chips, computer modeling, and real-world data analysis. These are the very approaches that NAVS has championed and supported for years.
“This marks a pivotal shift in how we approach biomedical research,” said Lauren Stein, NAVS Director of Science and Research Programs. “By committing to methods that are more human-relevant and ethically sound, NIH is acknowledging what NAVS and other advocates have long emphasized: that better science does not require animal suffering.”
Importantly, this isn’t happening in a vacuum. NIH’s announcement comes on the heels of similar efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), signaling a broader federal shift toward research methods that are not only more ethical—but also more effective and predictive for human health.
This moment reflects years of advocacy—by organizations, scientists, legislators, and supporters like you—who have called on our institutions to evolve. It’s proof of what we can accomplish when we stand together to demand a future where science and compassion go hand in hand.
“We are especially encouraged by NIH’s commitment to transparency, reviewer training, and infrastructure investment,” added Stein. “This is not a symbolic gesture—it’s a practical, structural reimagining of how we do science.”
While there is still much work ahead, we are more hopeful than ever. NAVS will continue to advocate for acceleration, accountability, and long-term funding to ensure that this promising momentum doesn’t stall.
This is a victory—one worth celebrating. And it’s one you helped make possible.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we are building a future where no animal suffers in the name of science.
