Organoid Models Interest Group

The Organoid Models Interest Group (OMIG) promotes the adoption, standardization, and proper use of organoid systems across the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP). OMIG will act as a catalyst, linking current organoid users with potential adopters, providing onboarding resources, benchmark protocols, and highlighting resources developed across IRP, including the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center. These efforts are intended to complement the work of the IRP scientists supporting NIH’s broader goal of integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including organoids, as a key part of a diverse research toolkit.

Background

NIH leadership has prioritized NAMs and directed new funding toward NAMs, including organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), and computational models. Many IRP groups are already demonstrating the potential of organoids for cancer, infectious diseases, neurological, and rare disease applications. More recently, NIH has established the SOM Center with a vision to serve as a neutral hub for advancing human-relevant NAM models. Now is an opportune moment to strengthen these efforts through a coordinated platform that fosters innovation across the IRP while respecting and building on the ongoing contributions of animal model researchers.

Despite growing adoption, organoid use across the IRP faces three main challenges: (i) Fragmentation: Different methods and inconsistent practices reduce reproducibility and trust; (ii) Entry barriers: Potential applications lack clear protocols, training, or a pathway for adoption; (iii) Limited visibility: Researchers find it difficult to identify NIH colleagues with relevant expertise.

Without coordination, these challenges hinder innovation and slow progress toward NIH’s NAMs goals. OMIG will directly address these gaps by fostering a community of practice rooted in the SOM Center’s mission: advancing human-relevant, credible, and scalable research models.

Who should join?

Current NIH organoid users across the IRP
Likely beneficiaries not yet using organoids, including toxicology, pharmacology, neuroscience, renal, pulmonary, and GI research groups
Core facilities, technology platforms, and program offices that support translational science and NAMs
Investigators seeking to expand into organoid research align with NIH’s workforce development goals.