Oregon Primate Center May Become Sanctuary After NIH Vote

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) board of directors has authorized negotiations with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that could dramatically reshape the future of the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). The potential outcome is a transition from a research facility to an animal sanctuary, effectively ending experiments on monkeys at the Hillsboro-based center.

Why it matters

This move reflects a growing trend within the biomedical research community to move away from reliance on animal testing and embrace alternative methods like computer modeling, artificial intelligence, and advanced in vitro studies. It could signal a broader shift in the landscape of biomedical research, with increased emphasis on alternatives to animal testing and a greater focus on animal welfare.

The details

The NIH is actively exploring the possibility of transitioning at least one of the seven national primate research centers into sanctuaries. The ONPRC has long been a focal point of debate surrounding animal welfare, with animal rights groups accusing the center of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. A shift to a sanctuary model would indicate the primates currently housed at ONPRC would live out their lives in a more natural environment, free from experimentation. However, the specifics of such a transition would need to be negotiated with the NIH.

• The OHSU board of directors has authorized negotiations with the NIH that could last up to six months.

What’s next

The specifics of the transition from a research facility to a sanctuary, including funding, staffing, and long-term management of the facility, will need to be negotiated between OHSU and the NIH.