NAMs, or New Approach Methodologies, is a term defined by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM)—a federal committee under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and coordinated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
The formal definition—originally emphasized by current NIH leadership during their oversight of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM)—describes “any technology, methodology, approach, or combination thereof that can be used to provide information on chemical hazard and risk assessment that replaces, reduces, or refines the use of animals.” Our broader interpretation remains compatible with that definition, while expanding its application to include any approach that advances scientific understanding, including in fields such as biomedical research, drug development, and safety assessment, in a way that replaces, reduces, or refines the use of animals.
But depending on who you’re talking to, NAMs can also refer to:
Novel Alternative Methodologies
Non-Animal Models (which are a subset of NAMs, falling under the Replacement principle of the 3Rs)
Across all interpretations, the focus is clear: NAMs are tools and strategies that support innovation, improve translational science, and reduce reliance on animals.
NAMs are not new – you’re probably already doing a lot.
Let’s Move Progress Forward—Together
You may have noticed that some recent Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) now reference non-animal models or New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). This does not mean that proposals must include NAMs or exclude animal research.
In fact, proposals may fall into any of the following categories:
- Animal research only
- Animal research combined with NAMs
- NAMs-only approaches
What’s changing is the scope of the NOFO, not the requirement for each individual grant.
Previously, many NOFOs were written to support only animal-based models.
The new language reflects a broader, more inclusive framework—encouraging innovation across the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.
Wondering What’s Going On With NAMs?
You’re not alone. With NAMs in the spotlight—featured in federal initiatives, public discussions, and policy shifts—it’s natural to have questions:
What exactly counts as a NAM?
- How are NAMs being used in research right now?
- How do NAMs fit into the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)?
- And what do they mean for the future of biomedical science?
This space is designed to help.
Here, we’ll share:
✨ Trusted definitions and updates
🔬 Examples of how NAMs are already in use
📚 Resources to explore
🧭 Opportunities for innovation—and ways we’re already making progress
The Bottom Line?
We are proud of our ongoing efforts to advance ethical, high-quality science—and we’re committed to continual progress. NAMs aren’t just future concepts. They’re active tools in today’s research landscape, helping us move toward more humane, predictive, and innovative science.
Stay tuned for more updates and examples. Let’s explore NAMs together.
Calling All 3Rs Innovators
Are you advancing Replacement, Reduction, or Refinement in your research?
Whether you’re:
- Developing a non-animal model (Replacement)
- Designing studies that use fewer animals more effectively (Reduction)
- Enhancing animal welfare through improved procedures or technology (Refinement)
—We want to hear from you!
Contact aco3rs@uw.edu.
UW’s 3Rs & NAMs Innovator Survey
Feature Your Work
We’re building a showcase of real-world 3Rs innovation, and we’d love to highlight your project. Share how your research is driving ethical, efficient, and forward-thinking science. From early-stage pilots to published programs, we welcome a wide range of work.
Need Help Framing the 3Rs in Your Proposal?
Describing the 3Rs—and NAMs—clearly in grants, protocols, or outreach can be challenging. We can help you:
- Identify how your work supports the 3Rs.
- Use trusted definitions and ICCVAM-aligned language.
- Connect your project to emerging trends and expectations.
- Reach out today to collaborate, get feedback, or be featured.
Not Sure if Your Work Qualifies as a NAM?
We can help.
You may already be doing things that count—and we’re here to support you in describing, framing, and highlighting those efforts.
Reach out to us if you’d like help aligning your proposal with current language or showcasing your innovative approach.
3Rs Certificate Course
This fully virtual, self-paced training is designed to elevate understanding and application of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—across your organization.
Related Links
NIH-How Does the NIH Initiative to Prioritize Human-Based Research Affect Research Proposing the Use of Laboratory Animals? (July 18, 2025)
NIH-Director’s Desk” The Future of Animal Testing (YouTube PodCast) (July 10, 2025)
FDA-NIH Workshop: Reducing Animal Testing (July 7, 2025)
Letter to NIH/FDA (July 14,2025)
NIH to prioritize human-based research technologies (April 29, 2025)
Driving Progress Through the 3Rs and NAMs
New approach methodologies (NAMs) are proving to be invaluable tools in basic and clinical research to better understand human health and disease, elucidate mechanisms, and study the efficacy and toxicity of novel therapeutics that can improve upon and complement animal-based methodologies. 
