Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application

The mission of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) is to coordinate NIH-wide efforts to accelerate the development, validation, and adoption of human-based methods(New Approach Methodologies, NAMs) in biomedical res

The Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) was established in June 2026 to advance NIH-wide efforts to develop, validate, and scale human‑based New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in biomedical research, supporting a national shift toward more translatable, efficient, and human‑relevant scientific approaches. ORIVA coordinates activities across NIH and with federal partners, including the FDA and EPA, to reduce reliance on animal testing and strengthen regulatory acceptance of alternative methods. This assistance listing supports research activities including, but not limited to: development and validation of human‑based research technologies such as organoids, tissue chips, computational models, and real‑world data systems; creation of interoperable and reliable datasets; advancement of comprehensive training initiatives; community outreach to accelerate technology dissemination; and interagency coordination to promote regulatory uptake of NAMs and ensure public health protection. Projects funded under this listing contribute to a modernized, human‑relevant biomedical research ecosystem by generating high‑quality scientific data, expanding infrastructure for alternative methods, and supporting multidisciplinary teams that advance human-based methods from discovery through regulatory acceptance. These activities enable ORIVA to lead national investments in innovative research approaches, strengthen translational outcomes, and align NIH activities with federal priorities to accelerate the adoption of new biomedical tools.

Applications are reviewed for scientific and technical merit by a scientific review group and for program relevance by a national advisory council/board. Grants and cooperative agreements are funded based on scientific merit, program relevance, and program balance and are made annually. The initial grant award provides funds for the first budget period (usually 12 months) and letter Notice of Award indicates support recommended for the remainder of the project period, allocation of Federal funds by budget categories and special conditions, if any. Other Transactions are awarded based on the criteria stated within the research opportunity announcement for each initiative.

A principal investigator may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of his/her application by communicating with the NIH Scientific/Research contact, as provided on an initiative. A description of the NIH Peer Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH Web site at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not97-232.html .