NIH looks to turn primate research center into a sanctuary

Source: Politico

02/04/2026 04:24 PM EST


The National Institutes of Health wants to transition at least one of seven national primate research centers into an animal sanctuary, aiming to move away from animal testing in favor of alternative methods.

The NIH-funded centers, hosted by universities and research institutions, conduct primate research on conditions and diseases that affect human health. They have been a primary target of animal rights organizations, like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The NIH approached the Oregon Health & Science University, which operates one of the centers, about the move, offering to potentially help finance the transition. The university’s board of directors will hold a public meeting Monday to consider negotiationing with NIH about the potential change.

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya confirmed the plans to POLITICO in an interview last week. “We’re working to transition at least one of them,” he said of the seven centers.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/04/nih-is-looking-to-turn-a-primate-research-center-into-a-sanctuary-00765449