How Research Happens

While each NPRC has specific areas of expertise, they all rely on the scientific process. Research can take years, but the NPRCs are working together to accelerate the search for causes, preventions, treatments, and cures.

1. Make Observations

It starts with a researcher observing conditions that could lead to a medical discovery, treatment, prevention, or cure.

2. Ask Questions

These observations lead to questions. That “why” or “how” drives the research and is the first step toward breakthroughs.

3. Form Hypotheses

A hypothesis is a potential answer to the question. It is the researcher’s informed opinion about the research topic.

4. Choose Models

Selecting the right scientific models is critical to answering research questions. Options include new approach methodologies (NAMs), such as computer models and 3D cell cultures; and rodents and nonhuman primates.

5. Obtain Funding

Researches must compete with other scientists to get funding for research and to justify why their research matters.

6. Conduct Research

Following protocol review to ensure animal welfare practices are in place, highly regulated studies test the hypothesis, determining if it is accurate, applicable, and reproducible.

7. Draw Conclusions

It’s this process that provides an understanding of normal function and reveals the causes, preventions, treatments and cures for diseases in order for people to live longer, healthier lives.

Animal Care

The well-being of our animals is a top priority.

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, NPRC employees are committed to the health and welfare of our research animals.

Because NPRC animals are crucial to discovering disease causes, preventions, treatments and cures, we have tailored programs to meet the animals’ species-typical needs as well as their psychological well-being.

The NPRCs also follow regulations and guidelines from the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NPRC-specific institutional animal care and use committees. In addition, the NPRCs are accredited by AAALAC International whose accreditation is recognized as the gold standard for laboratory animal care.

Learn more here.
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