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Pain Research in Peril: Why Your Voice Matters and What You Can Do June, 2025 Addresses the urgent need for pain researchers to understand what was at stake for NIH-funded pain research and how to take meaningful action.

USASP One-Pager July, 2025

Representing scientists nationwide who collaboratively research, diagnose, and treat pain in the United States. Call for Symposia Symposia should encompass topics related to clinical practice, basic science or mechanisms, and translational research related to pain. We are accepting applications until 11:59 ET on October 15th, 2025. SUBMIT YOUR SYMPOSIA Proposal Guidelines Required: Proposals must feature unique speakers who are not included in any other proposals (i.e., each speaker may only participate in one proposal). Required: Each speaker should represent a different institution (this does NOT include the moderator). Applications typically have 3 speakers. It is strongly recommended that the scientific content of the symposium be significantly different from that of a recent (last three years) USASP symposium in which one of the named speakers participated. It is important that you justify any deviations from the above criteria in your application so that the Scientific Program Committee can judge your application more fairly. Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate speaker diversity in one or more of the following areas: No more than 1 of 3 speakers has presented at a USASP conference in the last three years Multiple disciplines (clinical, translational, and basic science) Includes a person with lived experience of pain Various career stages (early, mid, and senior) Gender representation Speaker(s) from institutions that qualify for REAP or AREA funding ( https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/R15-Eligibility-Decision-Tree.pdf ) Representation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Representation from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Guidelines for Submission: The body of the abstract should be 300 words or less. If selected, the abstract will be used to market the session. Separately from the abstract, please include the following information on the submission form. Speaker names, titles, affiliations, titles of the presentations 2-3 learning objectives for each presentation Describe how much time you will devote to Q/A with audience participation and how you will engage the audience. Briefly describe in two to three sentences (no more) why your symposium should be included in the 2026 meeting. (if applicable) Briefly justify any deviations from the above criteria in your application so that the SPC can judge your application more fairly. Session Format: Symposia sessions will last about 80 minutes and are expected to be interactive between the presenters and attendees whenever possible. A moderator (can be identified from the presenters if appropriate) should be prepared with follow-up questions for the presenters and the audience in order to stimulate audience and presenter participation during the Q&A session.

Representing scientists nationwide who collaboratively research, diagnose, and treat pain in the United States. USASP Poster Abstracts Poster abstracts should encompass topics related to clinical practice, basic science or mechanisms, and translational research related to pain. The poster abstract submission portal is now closed. Submit your Poster Abstract Poster Guidance & FAQs What size should my poster be? Is there a template that I should use? Any content guidelines? There is no poster template for USASP annual meetings. We encourage creativity and clarity in your poster design. Some examples that move away from traditional poster designs are the Better Poster and Even Better Poster designs. Although there are no guidelines for content, we encourage using plain language , minimizing jargon, and using clear graphics to explain your work to a broad audience. For example, consider including a big picture impact/summary statement to highlight the key takeaway from your work. If you have worked with people with lived experience of pain or other community leaders through your research in a partnership or advisory role (e.g., community advisory board, project consultant, project co-investigator), please acknowledge those partners/advisors on your poster. When is my poster session? When should I set up and take down my poster? Please see this document to find out when your poster is scheduled. Because we need to assign posters for judging, we will not accept any requests to move poster sessions/times after March 10, 2026 . For morning poster sessions, please put up your poster prior to the morning plenary session and take down your poster during lunch. For afternoon poster sessions, please put up your poster during lunch and take down after your poster session has ended. Any posters that remain in the Millennium Hall on Thursday, March 26, will be thrown out, so we recommend taking down your poster by Wednesday evening! Will my poster be considered for an award? Do I need to prepare anything for judging? During your poster abstract submission in December 2025, there was an option to select whether you would like for your poster to be considered for an award. The categories are basic/preclinical science, clinical/translational science, and engagement of people with lived experience (new category as of late December 2025). See the "Poster Judging" tab of this document to check whether your poster will be considered for an award. To prepare for judging, we recommend having a 3-5-minute "elevator pitch" of your poster ready to share with the judges. Some tips are to use plain language, define any jargon, focus on big picture takeaways and impact, and highlight any unique elements of your work that make it stand out! Have travel award decisions gone out? Travel award decisions went out through email on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Please check your email or spam folder to see the status of your award. Poster Abstract Submission Instructions Presentation Formats: Poster abstracts will be presented in person Topics: Submissions related to pain research (basic science, translational, and clinical) and pain management are encouraged. Download poster abstract instructions. Poster Abstract Submission Guidelines Length of abstract: 250 words max Abstracts must be submitted using the designated link (see below) Each abstract submitted must have a unique corresponding/presenting author The first author will be the main contact for the submission. Abstracts will be published in the Journal of Pain. Members and non-members are eligible to submit abstracts. Abstracts of unpublished work will be accepted if the abstract is not currently in Press (i.e., at the time of abstract submission) Trainees, students and postdoctoral fellows, are eligible to have their abstract reviewed for poster awards. Please indicate on the submission form if you would like to be considered. Formatting: (See below for example) Only the first author's affiliations should be included at the end of the author list due to space limitations for publication in the Journal of Pain. Double check the spelling of all author names and make sure all authors’ are included. Present complete name of first author’s affiliation. National Institutes of Health vs. NIH The abstract should be written all in one fluid paragraph without subheadings or indentations. No figures or tables are permitted. Capitalize each word in the title, abbreviations are not permitted. If possible, please avoid using special characters in the text. (eg. mean age§SD=39.43§12.58) Do not include numbered references/bibliography. Authors who wish to cite specific research may do so parenthetically such as, (Palermo, 2019). Funded sources may be included at the end of the abstract. (eg. Funding: RO1AGO4891) Note: You'll need to insert the text of the abstract in the submission portal as well as upload a Word document of your abstract. Please organize the body of the abstract as follows: A statement of the purpose of the study. An outline of the methods used. A summary of the results presented in sufficient detail to support the conclusions. A statement of the conclusions reached. It is not satisfactory to state that “the results will be discussed.” Note: Abstracts submitted that do not follow these formatting guidelines will be rejected and sent back to the main contact. Travel Awards: Applications are part of your abstract submission. See the Fourwaves submission platform for more information. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at admin@usasp.org

PRECISION Human Pain Network Workshop Registration for workshops is part of the 2026 Annual Meeting registration form. Full meeting registration is not required for Pre-Conference Workshop attendance or the PURPOSE Meeting, but it is required for the Early Career Forum. REGISTER HERE Date : March 23, 2026 Location : Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Time : 1:00pm-4:00 pm Registration fee : Free Organizers: Ted Price, PhD and Rob Gereau, PhD PRECISION Human Pain Network PIs and scientists within the group will give an update on data generated within each of the 4 centers, network wide projects, and opportunities for collaboration. Time will be allocated for discussion of how to work with PRECISION data. Time will also be allotted for brainstorming ideas for the potential next phase of PRECISION projects. Sponsored by Wash U and UT Dallas Pain Centers. OPEN AGENDA

Our diverse array of specialized interest groups, each advancing the understanding and treatment within the many niche facets of pain research. Sickle Cell Pain Co-Chair: Lakeya S. McGill, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Co-Chair: Keesha Roach, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Missions for this special interest group are coming! News and Past Events Join this SIG here! Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2026 Registration Rates Plenary Speakers Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups Tue, Mar 10 The PRF Monthly Webinar Series: Pain and Alcohol Use / Virtual event Details Virtual event Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HkAAm7a5ROazPprxvwi0ww#/registration Mon, Mar 23 2026 USASP Annual Scientific Meeting / Philadelphia Learn More Philadelphia, 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA Fri, Feb 27 HHS Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (IPRCC) Nominations Due / apply online Details apply online We are seeking scientific experts and members of the public who are passionate about advancing pain research and improving the lives of people affected by pain. The IPRCC welcomes nominations from individuals with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Thu, Feb 26 2026 International #HeadacheAcademy / Los Angeles Details Los Angeles, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Our diverse array of specialized interest groups, each advancing the understanding and treatment within the many niche facets of pain research. Omics and Pain Chair: Erin Young Co-Chair: Stephanie Puig Missions for this special interest group are coming! Upcoming Webinar on November 3rd, 2025 from 12-1 pm EST. Members will recieve an email with the Zoom link. If you are not a member of this SIG and intesrted in attending, please reach out to eileenconroy@usasp.org More information to come! News and Past Events You're all caught up! No new updates to display. Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2026 Registration Rates Plenary Speakers Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups Tue, Mar 10 The PRF Monthly Webinar Series: Pain and Alcohol Use / Virtual event Details Virtual event Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HkAAm7a5ROazPprxvwi0ww#/registration Mon, Mar 23 2026 USASP Annual Scientific Meeting / Philadelphia Learn More Philadelphia, 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA Fri, Feb 27 HHS Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (IPRCC) Nominations Due / apply online Details apply online We are seeking scientific experts and members of the public who are passionate about advancing pain research and improving the lives of people affected by pain. The IPRCC welcomes nominations from individuals with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Thu, Feb 26 2026 International #HeadacheAcademy / Los Angeles Details Los Angeles, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Our diverse array of specialized interest groups, each advancing the understanding and treatment within the many niche facets of pain research. Pain Epidemiology Co-Chair: Yurun Cai, University of Pittsburgh Co-Chair: Titilola Falasinnu, PhD, Stanford University School of Medicine Reducing pain burden through understanding the distribution and determinants of pain, promoting epidemiologic principles and methods in answering questions related to pain assessment, prevention and clinical care, collaboration with any individuals interested in population and clinical pain outcomes. News and Past Events The USASP Pain Epidemiology SIG held a webinar on January 28, 2026 from 10-11am PT (1-2pm ET). The webinar featured a talk on, "How much does the U.S. adult public pay for pain management?" by Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H. Chief, Epidemiology Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Watch the recording here . Dr. Patel will share with us his career story as a pain epidemiologist doing clinical pain research. There will be ample time to ask questions. We look forward to your participation! Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2026 Registration Rates Plenary Speakers Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups Tue, Mar 10 The PRF Monthly Webinar Series: Pain and Alcohol Use / Virtual event Details Virtual event Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HkAAm7a5ROazPprxvwi0ww#/registration Mon, Mar 23 2026 USASP Annual Scientific Meeting / Philadelphia Learn More Philadelphia, 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA Fri, Feb 27 HHS Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (IPRCC) Nominations Due / apply online Details apply online We are seeking scientific experts and members of the public who are passionate about advancing pain research and improving the lives of people affected by pain. The IPRCC welcomes nominations from individuals with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Thu, Feb 26 2026 International #HeadacheAcademy / Los Angeles Details Los Angeles, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Our diverse array of specialized interest groups, each advancing the understanding and treatment within the many niche facets of pain research. Neuromodulation Chair: Suchita Karnati, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine Co-Chair: Wei Lei, PhD, Campbell University Missions for this special interest group are coming! News and Past Events Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2026 Registration Rates Plenary Speakers Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups Tue, Mar 10 The PRF Monthly Webinar Series: Pain and Alcohol Use / Virtual event Details Virtual event Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HkAAm7a5ROazPprxvwi0ww#/registration Mon, Mar 23 2026 USASP Annual Scientific Meeting / Philadelphia Learn More Philadelphia, 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA Fri, Feb 27 HHS Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (IPRCC) Nominations Due / apply online Details apply online We are seeking scientific experts and members of the public who are passionate about advancing pain research and improving the lives of people affected by pain. The IPRCC welcomes nominations from individuals with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Thu, Feb 26 2026 International #HeadacheAcademy / Los Angeles Details Los Angeles, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Music-Based Interventions for Pain Management Workshop Registration for workshops is part of the 2026 Annual Meeting registration form. Full meeting registration is not required for Pre-Conference Workshop attendance or the PURPOSE Meeting, but it is required for the Early Career Forum. REGISTER HERE Date : March 23, 2026 Location : Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Time : 1:00pm-5:00 pm Registration Fee : $25 Organizers : NIH-funded Music Research Networks (Music4Pain, AudioAnalgesia, and ENSEMBLE) The NIH-funded Music Research Networks (Music4Pain, AudioAnalgesia, and ENSEMBLE) invite you to participate in a half day workshop focused on music-based interventions for pain management. The workshop will 1) introduce attendees to a wide range of music-based interventions for acute and chronic pain management, 2) present the current state of the evidence related to mechanisms underlying the hypoalgesic effects of music-based interventions, 3) discuss methodological challenges and offer recommendations for high-quality mechanistic research on music-based interventions for pain, 4) introduce technological advances related to the measurement of brain activity during active music making, 5) present a newly developed music-based interventions taxonomic framework to guide the design of mechanistic studies in music for pain, and 6) discuss challenges in using animal models in music-induced hypoalgesia studies. The workshop will end with an optional mentoring session during which attendees can receive feedback on their research ideas related to music for pain management. OPEN AGENDA

2026 USASP Sickle Cell Disease Pre-Conference Workshop - Connecting Minds, Improving Lives: Collaborative Pain Research in Sickle Cell Disease Registration for workshops is part of the 2026 Annual Meeting registration form. Full meeting registration is not required for Pre-Conference Workshop attendance or the PURPOSE Meeting, but it is required for the Early Career Forum. REGISTER HERE Date : March 23, 2026 Registration fee: $25 Location : Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Time : 12:00pm-4:00 pm Organizers : Lakeya McGill, PhD & Keesha Roach, PhD, RN, FAAN (USASP SCD SIG) with SCDPAIN Join us for a dynamic and highly interactive half-day workshop designed to build bridges across disciplines and accelerate progress in pain research for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). This pre-conference session will bring together researchers, clinicians, trainees, people with lived experience, and partners from policy and industry to share ideas, foster collaboration, and spark innovation. The program features short “spark talks” from emerging investigators and field leaders, a trainee presentation blitz, and a keynote from a person with lived experience. Through small-group rotations and networking activities, participants will have the opportunity to explore new research directions, discuss challenges and solutions in interdisciplinary SCD pain research, and form lasting collaborations. Whether you are a seasoned investigator or new to SCD research, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to improving the lives of people with sickle cell disease through meaningful scientific partnership. OPEN AGENDA

Positioning Your PCORI Proposal for Success: Practical Tools for Pain Researchers Registration for workshops is part of the 2026 Annual Meeting registration form. Full meeting registration is not required for Pre-Conference Workshop attendance or the PURPOSE Meeting, but it is required for the Early Career Forum. REGISTER HERE Date : March 23, 2026 Registration fee: $25 Location : Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Time : 1:00pm-5:00 pm Organizers : Mark Bicket, MD, PhD, FASA & Erin Krebs, MD, MPH This second annual, highly rated workshop returns with a proposal-readiness focus, designed for both PCORI-curious investigators and those refining or resubmitting applications. The afternoon will begin with a live demonstration of a patient engagement panel, providing a practical look at how to meaningfully involve stakeholders in the initial stages as your study is designed, clarifying a step that is often expected yet difficult to operationalize. From there, faculty and patient partners will walk through real examples, frameworks, and mini-rubrics used to justify comparator choices, design engagement plans, and address reviewer expectations around patient-centeredness. Attendees will choose between two hands-on breakout paths, clinical trial design or patient engagement planning, with each aimed at producing concrete, fundable components, including sample structures and compelling justifications. Whether you are planning a submission in the next 12-24 months or seeking to strengthen a future concept, this workshop offers insight shaped by funded investigators, patient partners, and review-process insiders. Networking included. Reserve your spot and leave better prepared to draft, refine, and position your PCORI proposal for success. OPEN AGENDA