On April 29, 2025, NIH released an important announcement highlighting a strategic shift toward prioritizing human-based research technologies in NIH-funded science. This new initiative aims to expand the development and use of cutting-edge, non-animal models—such as organoids, tissue chips, computational models, and real-world data—to address long-standing translational challenges in biomedical research.
This initiative reflects NIH’s commitment to advancing innovative, translationally effective research while aligning with broader federal efforts to reduce reliance on animal models.
OACU Hosts AAALAC International Fellowship Recipient
On October 28, 2024, OACU opened its doors to the 2024 IAT recipient of the AAALAC International Fellowship. This fellowship recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of laboratory animal care and use. The visit included an overview of the NIH/IRP animal program and a visit to animal facilities on the Bethesda, Maryland NIH campus.
ARAC Approves New Appendix on Enrichment of Aquatic Species
On January 24, 2024, the NIH Animal Research Advisory Committee approved a new Appendix for Environmental Enrichment of Aquatic Species. The purpose of this document is to serve as a resource to help ICs establish an environmental enrichment program for aquatic animals to include zebrafish and Xenopus spp.
On July 26, 2023, the NIH Animal Research Advisory Committee approved a new Guideline for Assessment and Reporting of Adverse Events, Unexpected Outcomes, and Animal Welfare Concerns. The purpose of this guideline is to describe the plan for assessment and reporting of events that may adversely impact animal health and welfare.
OACU opened its doors to two high school science writers on July 13, 2023 as part of the Americans for Medical Progress Curious Science Writers event. In collaboration with the NINDS animal program and several science writers, the students learned about the intersection of science and communication at NIH.
This event was featured in the August 18, 2023 edition of the NIH Record. Click here to read more.
NIH Policy Manual Chapter 3040-2 Revised
The full revision of NIH Policy Manual Chapter (MC) 3040-2 - Animal Care and Use in the Intramural Research Program was approved on April 14, 2023. This is the foundational policy document for the IRP’s program of animal care and use that describes the roles and responsibilities of all individuals involved in the care and use of animals, and ensures the IRP is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies (i.e., PHS Policy, Animal Welfare Regulations, U.S. Government Principles, etc.). Familiarity with this document is important for all individuals working with animals at the NIH/IRP.
OACU will present a poster titled, "Harmonizing Animal Care and Compliance in a Large Decentralized Federal Research Program" at the upcoming NCAB and AALAS annual meetings in September and October 2022, respectively.
This poster describes how OACU contributes to the success of the decentralized organizational structure of the NIH/IRP animal program by advocating global strategies to ensure compliance with regulations and accreditation standards and enhancing the humane treatment of research animals, while respecting the unique geographic and programmatic needs of the 24 Institutes and Centers.
Dr. Nina Schor was appointed as the NIH Acting Deputy Director for Intramural Research on August 1, 2022. In this role, Dr. Schor will become the Institutional Official for the NIH/IRP animal research program.
On April 27, 2022, the NIH Animal Research Advisory Committee approved a new Guideline on Post-Study Research Animal Disposition. The purpose of this guideline is to assist the NIH Institutes and Centers in developing an animal disposition policy to facilitate the transfer of research animals at the end of their experimental use to a person or organization for non-research use.
OACU Moderates ORS/CREx Panel on Animal Model Research Services
Moderated by OACU, and hosted by ORS/CREx, a panel presentation was held on February 24, 2022. The presentation focused on NIH's animal model services and provided researchers across the NIH with information about resources and services available. The panel featured presenters from ORS, NHGRI, and NINDS.
