In vitro models are foundational to biological research. These tools accelerate basic science and enable screening at great scale, which in turn allows for rapid identification of potential therapeutic targets and interventions. Increasingly, they are part of a broader shift toward new approach methodologies (NAMs) —an evolving set of tools that includes cell-based in vitro models, in silico and computational models, tissue chips, and other human-based platforms that can complement, and in some cases reduce reliance on, traditional animal models. As NAMs enable new in silico and human-based platforms, in vitro models themselves are undergoing innovation while also driving it. As a reflection of this model’s importance, NIDCD has outlined its commitment to basic science within our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, specifically within Theme 2, Goal 2: Develop in vitro models to accelerate basic studies and high-throughput screening.
In this director’s message, I share a few exciting opportunities at NIDCD and across NIH for new developments in in vitro models and NAMs. I also share updates from the September meeting of the National Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Advisory Council.
The Continuum of Model Systems: Bridging Methods with NAMs
Model systems exist on a continuum, with in vitro models providing mechanistic insight and ex vivo approaches, such as organoids and tissue explants, adding greater complexity and relevance to human biology. Tissue chips developed through NAMs bridge these approaches and offer greater opportunity for models across the continuum to be more informative and hold greater predictive power.
NIH has released a Highlighted Topic to accelerate NAMs development and drive new treatment discoveries. The topic is especially focused on NAMs that combine 3D technology with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived and personalized human organoids for their potential to support the rapid development of precision medicine treatments. I am proud of NIDCD’s participation in this topic, because this gives the institute the opportunity to fill a key role in characterizing and improving NAMs so that they more accurately mimic native biological function and demonstrate greater reproducibility and stability. I encourage interested investigators to apply through parent funding announcements. This Highlighted Topic is active through December 2, 2027.
NIDCD-funded investigators are already making exciting progress in developing new organoids. Researchers have created novel inner ear organoids to study normal hair cell development and the deafness-blindness disease Usher syndrome type 1F. Another group is bioengineering human iPSCs for inner ear development. Researchers in taste are also developing a human taste organoid model.
NIDCD is also supporting the broader NAMs community through a conference grant awarded under the R13 mechanism. The Winter Conference to Advance New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in Chemosensory Science, from January 12 to 17, 2027, will bring together approximately 100 investigators, industry scientists, regulators, and trainees to exchange best practices and form new collaborations.
NIH is not just supporting NAMs research but is becoming a hub for NAMs by developing the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center. The center is a first-of-its-kind NIH-wide integrated platform dedicated to developing standardized organoid-based NAMs. The center’s mission is to serve as a neutral scientific hub for standardization, ensuring that organoids developed for medical research are reproducible, reliable, and accessible.
Finally, I look forward to hosting Paola Arlotta, Ph.D., at the upcoming 2027 NIDCD Director’s Seminar Series. Dr. Arlotta has dual appointments at Harvard University and the Broad Institute. She conducts pioneering work on human brain organoids and chimeroids. Her lecture will drive discussion on current limitations, co-culture approaches, automation, and the integration of animal models.
As these exciting developments come to fruition, NIDCD is also preparing for the future of its scientific direction by formulating the 2028–2032 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is a “living document”, one that the scientific community continually helps to shape through its input and engagement. I therefore encourage everyone interested to submit feedback to our Request for Information (RFI) so that NIDCD can address any gaps in its research and reaffirm its scientific priorities. The RFI will remain open until Friday, December 11, 2026. Send comments by email to nidcdstrategicplan@nidcd.nih.gov or by mail to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 31 Center Drive, Suite 3C25, Bethesda, MD 20892.
National Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Advisory Council Meeting, September 4
On September 4, the institute’s Advisory Council convened in hybrid format. Portions of our Council meetings are open to the public. I invite you to watch the archived VideoCast of the open session and to join us online for our next meeting, to be held January 28. Highlights from the September meeting are summarized below.
- I shared the unfortunate news that Alberto Rivera-Rentas, Ph.D., passed away on August 29, 2026, due to cancer. Dr. Rivera-Rentas served with distinction as the NIDCD Research Training Officer from 2015 until his retirement this past May. During his NIH career, Dr. Rivera-Rentas strengthened research training and workforce development across NIDCD, but also National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). To view the In Memoriam tribute, please start at the 00:08:16 mark of the VideoCast.
- Lisa Cunningham, Ph.D., provided her report on the Division of Intramural Research (DIR). The Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC) will review the Neurotology Branch in spring 2027 and review individual investigators in fall 2027. Dr. Cunningham also summarized staffing updates, challenges, and considerations for DIR, ongoing and upcoming training opportunities, and clinical protocols underway in the intramural program. To view this segment, start at the 00:26:49 mark of the VideoCast.
Michael Hoa, M.D., had his lab reinstated in spring 2026.
Adjunct Professor Nadia Biassou, M.D., Ph.D., retired in spring 2026.
- Gayla Poling, Ph.D., shared work from the Auditory and Vestibular Clinical Research Section (AVCRS) within the NIDCD Neurotology Branch. AVCRS is located within the NIH Clinical Center (CC), providing clinical consultations and collaborating on research projects. The section’s activities can largely be grouped among mentoring and training, collaborative clinical care, and clinical research. To view this segment, start at the 00:43:07 mark of the VideoCast.
- Rick Woychik, Ph.D., presented the NIH-wide strategy to identify and study the root causes of chronic disease. To ensure NIH alignment with the administration’s priorities and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, NIH will adopt a strategic framework that enables harmonization of NIH resources and leadership. The framework features thematic coordination groups (TCGs) designed to address mandates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), integration platforms to address mandates that cross multiple TCGs, and a steering committee that provides strategic direction and decision-making. To view this segment, start at the 01:16:02 mark of the VideoCast.
- Jay Piccirillo, M.D., FACS, and Swathi Kiran, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, presented the final report and recommendations of the Clinical Trials Working Group (WG). The WG was formed in May 2025 to identify the strengths and challenges of the NIDCD Clinical Trials (CT) Section and to recommend how the institute can better support investigators conducting NIDCD-funded trials. The WG's full findings, along with its four priority recommendations and four future priorities for long-term goals, are detailed in the linked report. To view this segment, start at the 01:55:29 mark of the VideoCast.
Leverage consultants and domain experts strategically.
- Proactively deepen partnerships with NCATS and the Office of Disease Prevention (ODP).
- Develop a workforce pipeline for clinical trial-capable investigators through the release of Highlighted Topics and use new grant mechanisms. One example is the recently approved concept for a phased UG3/UH3 clinical trial grant, which could provide investigators more support during the planning phase.
- Develop a structured CT training ecosystem with resources and phased training from graduate school to senior faculty.
- Expand data infrastructure for CT recruitment, especially infrastructure for audiometric data.
- Build or join a multisite CT network that provides disease-focused resources, training, and subject matter experts.
- Integrate dissemination and implementation (D&I) into CT planning.
- Convene a WG to identify disorders with a viable translational path and issue targeted Requests for Application (RFAs).
- Becky Wagenaar-Miller, Ph.D., shared several RFIs open for comment: proposed changes to reporting outcomes from NIH peer review, a draft policy requiring summary-level study results for participants of NIH-supported clinical research, and a draft policy on NIH biosafety. Dr. Wagenaar-Miller also shared notices updating career development award programs and the replacement of Letters of Support with Letters of Collaboration. To view this segment, start at the 02:17:30 mark of the VideoCast.
- Judith Cooper, Ph.D., provided staffing updates for the Division of Scientific Programs (DSP). To view this segment, start at the 02:27:37 mark of the VideoCast.
- Bracie Watson, Ph.D., retired in June 2026.
- Jiaqi O’Reilly, Ph.D., joined the Voice, Speech, and Language Program portfolios team.
- Cathony Reid, Dr.P.H., M.S., joined as a Program Analyst.