In a recent news release, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new initiative to reduce the use of animals in NIH-funded research and prioritize human-based research models. The announcement cites advances in data science and technology as well as uncertainties about the efficacy of translating results of animal research to humans as drivers for the change. 

NIH will establish the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) within the NIH Office of the Director to support the initiative. 

ORIVA is expected to increase training, funding opportunities, and infrastructure for non-animal approaches. Additionally, research method evaluation criteria will be included in new funding opportunities while and NIH grant review staff will receive training to mitigate bias toward animal research.