NIGMS Signals Measured Approach to Organoid Research to Advisory Council

By: Galen Cobb
Thursday, May 28, 2026
At its May 21 spring meeting, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Advisory Council heard a presentation signaling the institute's support for organoid research. The presentation highlighted a decade of investment in the field, with grants funded across 45 states from 2016 to 2025, and characterized the technological challenges faced by organoid researchers as areas of scientific opportunity.

During the Q&A, Shawn Galliard, PhD, Director of NIGMS’ Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, struck a notably measured tone amid broader federal pressure to accelerate the replacement of animal models in biomedical research. She affirmed that animal models remain a welcome and valued part of the research portfolio. For some studies, animal models may be preferable or used alongside organoid systems, and she indicated the institute will not exclude them from consideration.

Dr. Galliard also signaled openness to applications that directly address the current limitations of organoid technologies, reflecting an interest in advancing the science of these tools rather than simply deploying them. Consistent with NIGMS's core mission, the institute's focus will remain on fundamental biological mechanisms and processes, with more applied organoid research supported by other NIH Institutes and Centers.

The Council also received an update on FY 2025 funding trends. Acting NIGMS Director Erica Brown, PhD, noted substantial growth in application volume and, correspondingly, lower overall R01 success rates. Investment in the MIRA (R35) mechanism remained strong, with more Early Stage Investigators funded than in FY 2024.

In other business, the Council voted to support additional funding for three programs aimed at strengthening research capacity at institutions with limited NIH support: BRE-SPAD, SuRE, and I-CRRC.

Minutes and the full recording of the meeting will be available in the coming weeks.