Oregon Primate Research Center to Shift Focus to Non-Animal Research

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is planning a significant shift in its operations, driven by a change in U.S. government funding priorities and a growing emphasis on human-based research. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has approved a plan to transition the center into a national hub for non-animal research, substantially reducing monkey breeding and experimentation.

Key Changes and Historical Context

The ONPRC, one of seven federally funded national primate centers established in the early 1960s, is expected to lose its designation as a National Primate Research Center, reducing the number of such facilities to six. Historically, the center has conducted experiments on over 1,000 monkeys annually.

Recent Advocacy and Legislation

Recent efforts, spearheaded by Oregon state representative David Gomberg, have led to increased transparency regarding the center’s operations and a bill introduced in 2025 to mandate a phase-out of monkey experiments. Public pressure and advocacy have played a crucial role in this development.

Broader Trends in Animal Research

Approximately 60,000 monkeys are still subjected to experiments in the U.S. each year, with roughly 45,000 used as breeders. Over 100,000 monkeys have been imported into the U.S. between 2001 and 2024, originating from countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. There is a growing trend toward prioritizing human-based research and decreasing public support for animal experimentation.