NIH Invests $88 Million in Human-Based Research Infrastructure Following Physicians Committee Recommendation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded 11 grants totaling $88 million to support institutions in creating or modernizing facilities dedicated to human-based research, marking a major step toward building the infrastructure needed to move medical research away from animal experiments.  

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine applauds the NIH for this investment, which advances a recommendation the organization made to the agency nearly one year ago. 

In a September 2025 public comment, Physician Committee experts urged the NIH Council of Councils to support new funding opportunities, including construction grants for human-based, nonanimal research infrastructure. In March 2026, the NIH announced a construction grant opportunity to develop state-of-the-art laboratories, core facilities, and collaborative research spaces supporting human-based technologies for broad, sustained impact. 

“It’s great to see the NIH take our recommendation and turn it into real progress,” said Catharine E. Krebs, PhD, medical research program manager for the Physicians Committee. “The future of medical research is animal-free, and we can’t get there without modernizing our infrastructure. This funding will get powerful human-based research technologies in the hands of more researchers, advancing the replacement of animals and ultimately improving the way we understand and treat human diseases.” 

The newly announced awards will support institutions including Southern Research Institute, University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center, and University of Louisville. Researchers will use the funding to expand access to nonanimal research technologies and conduct collaborative clinical research, including in underserved, rural communities.  

The Physicians Committee will continue advocating for the NIH and other federal agencies to expand funding, training, and infrastructure for human-based research and to promote the growing shift away from animal experimentation. 

To speak with Dr. Krebs, please contact Reina Pohl at 202-527-7326 or rpohl [at] pcrm.org.