Seattle, WA — One of the nation’s leading NIH-funded research institutions has a new name. The Washington National Primate Research Center is now the Washington National Biomedical Research Center (WaNBRC), a change that more accurately reflects the full breadth of scientific approaches used across its research programs.
“Since 1961, our center has contributed to major advances in human and animal health,” said Deborah Fuller, PhD, Director of the Washington National Biomedical Research Center. “While nonhuman primates remain essential for answering some of the most complex questions in medicine, our science today includes a wide range of powerful tools, from advanced computational modeling and lab-based human tissue systems to emerging New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that allow us to refine and focus animal studies. Our new name better represents the science we do, the impact we have, and the future we are helping to build.”
Founded in 1961, the center supports hundreds of investigators from academic, government, and industry partners and plays a critical role in research spanning infectious disease, neuroscience, immunology, aging, and regenerative medicine. Its work has helped accelerate vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies that are now improving human lives worldwide.
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) have been a core part of the center’s research strategy for many years. These approaches, including AI-guided analysis, organ-on-chip systems, and advanced imaging and modeling, allow scientists to answer many research questions earlier and more precisely, reducing and refining the use of animal models while strengthening scientific outcomes.
“Primates are an essential link between discoveries in the lab and the development of safe, effective preventatives and treatments that are improving the lives of both people and animals,” Dr. Fuller said. “That hasn’t changed. Our new name reflects more fully the work we do, namely the use of human-based alternatives whenever possible, and that we continue to use the NHP models only when needed while maintaining the highest standards of care. We have been, and continue to be committed to rigorous, ethical, and impactful biomedical research.”
The new name also strengthens the center’s ability to communicate its mission clearly to the public, collaborators, and funders, supporting continued growth, partnership, and discovery.