APS Announces Recipients of the 2007 Future Leaders in Pain Research Small Grants

The 2007 Future Leaders in Pain Research Small Grants program awarded funding to five researchers in the amount of $20,000 each. To be eligible to receive the grant, applicants must be APS members who are within 6 years of completing their terminal degree and have not yet been awarded major NIH or foundation grant funding. In 2007, 20 competitive applications for funding were received. Members of the Small Grants Committee reviewed and scored the applications in preparation for selection of grant recipients.

APS is proud to announce the following 2007 grant recipients. Recipients will attend the Annual Scientific Meeting to report on the progress of their research studies to the members of the Small Grants Committee.

Anna C. Long, PhD
Oregon Health and Science University
Portland, OR
"Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents with Chronic Pain: Measuring Functional Outcomes"

Laura A. Frey Law, PhD PT
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
"Individual Differences Contributing to Muscle Pain Heterogeneity"

Jamie L. Rhudy, PhD
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK
"Menstrual Cycle Influences on Supraspinal Modulation of Pain and Nociception"

Lisa C. Loram, PhD MSc
University of Colorado–Boulder
Boulder, CO
"Long Duration Reversal of Neuropathic Pain by a Single Intrathecal Administration of Adenosine 2a Receptor Agonists: A Novel Therapy for Neuropathic Pain"

Magali Millecamps, PhD
McGill University
Montreal, Canada
"Animal Models of Low Back Pain"

APS gratefully acknowledges Endo Pharmaceuticals and Cephalon for their generous funding of the 2007 grants program and extends special thanks to the members of the APS Small Grants Committee for their efforts on behalf of the program.

APS Small Grants Committee
Sandra Ward, PhD RN, Chair
Michael Caterina, PhD
C. Richard Chapman, PhD
Roger Fillingim, PhD
Gerald F. Gebhart, PhD
Jennifer Haythornthwaite, PhD
Keela Herr, PhD RN
Charles Inturrisi, PhD
Robert Jamison, PhD
Jianren Mao, MD PhD
Gayle Page, DNSc RN
Kathleen Sluka, PhD
George Wilcox, PhD

The 2008 grant application process will be announced in May 2008.

Data Blitz for Clinical and Basic Science Research: Request for Submissions

APS announces a request for submissions for the Data Blitz for Clinical and Basic Science Research, which will be held Wednesday, May 7, from 7–9 pm in Tampa, FL, as part of the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting. Authors are encouraged to submit "hot topics" for presentation during the blitz; submissions from young investigators and junior faculty are particularly encouraged. Selected presenters will have 5 minutes to present data and 5 additional minutes to answer questions. The blitz will be moderated by a member of the APS Scientific Program Committee.

To submit your work for consideration, please download the application, complete all requested information, and send it via e-mail to Jennifer Reinard at jreinard@connect2amc.com.

All applications are due by March 24, 2008. Primary/presenting authors will be notified of the Data Blitz Committee's selections in early April. Blitz presenters will be responsible for all costs associated with travel to the annual meeting, including meeting registration.

Important note: Authors who will be presenting paper or poster abstracts at the annual meeting should not submit their work again for the data blitz.

Journal of Pain Highlights

The following highlights summarize selected articles from the January 2008 issue (volume 9, number 2).

Nabilone for Treatment of Pain in Fibromyalgia
Ryan Quinlan Skrabek, Lena Galimova, Karen Ethans, and Daryl Perry, University of Manitoba Rehabilitation Hospital

Forty subjects were selected for the nabilone trial, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Manitoba Rehabilitation Hospital. They were divided into nabilone and placebo groups and were treated for 4 weeks. The authors noted that this was the first randomized, controlled-access trial to evaluate nabilone for pain reduction and quality-of-life improvement in fibromyalgia patients. Nabilone is one of two oral marijuana-based compounds, known as cannabinoids, available in Canada and is approved to treat nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.

Results of the Manitoba study showed that the nabilone group had significant reductions in pain and anxiety, measured by comparisons with baseline scores on the visual analogue scale for pain, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and the FIQ anxiety score. The data led researchers to conclude that nabilone has significant benefits for pain relief and functional improvement in fibromyalgia patients. Although the improvement was significant, none of the nabilone-treated subjects enjoyed complete relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms.

Nabilone was well tolerated by treated patients, which the authors characterized as reassuring because fibromyalgia patients are sensitive to most medications and have difficulty enduring side effects. The downside, however, is cost. In Canada, the cost of a year's supply of nabilone would be approximately $4,000.

The study concluded that the findings warrant consideration of nabilone as an adjunct to current medical management of fibromyalgia.

Interpreting the Clinical Importance of Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Pain Clinical Trials: IMMPACT Recommendations
Robert A. Dworkin, Dennis Turk, et al.

A prestigious group of 40 pain researchers participated in a consensus meeting—Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT)—to provide recommendations for interpreting treatment outcomes in clinical trials for the efficacy and effectiveness of chronic pain treatments.

The meeting had two goals: (1) develop general recommendations for determining clinically important changes for chronic pain outcome measures, and (2) propose provisional benchmarks for identifying clinically important changes in specific outcome measures for chronic pain trials previously recommended by the IMMPACT group.

Relatively few studies have systematically asked chronic pain patients to identify changes—both improvements and deteriorations—in their pain intensity. The group concluded that such studies are important for pain research and for determining what patients consider important. IMMPACT previously recommended four core outcome criteria: pain intensity, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and participant ratings of overall improvement. In this article, the group suggested two additional criteria be used: patient characteristics (e.g., age, sex, education) and whether changes in pain outcomes considered important by patients vary by clinical condition (i.e., low back pain vs. spinal injury pain).

The researchers believe that systematically collecting and reporting the recommended information will validate the proposed benchmarks and provide more meaningful comparisons of chronic pain treatments.

Pain Medicine Highlights

The following highlights summarize selected articles from the November/December 2007 issue (volume 8, number 8).

Gender Differences Among Patients with Fibromyalgia Undergoing Multidisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation
W. Michael Hooten, MD,^*† Cynthia O. Townsend, PhD,^†† and Paul A. Decker, MS^‡‡
Departments of *Anesthesiology and †Psychiatry and Psychology, ‡Division of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN

This study, conducted at a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation center at a tertiary referral medical center, tested the hypothesis that gender differences exist in physical and emotional functioning among patients with fibromyalgia undergoing multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation.

Researchers matched 33 men with fibromyalgia admitted from January 2002–June 2005 with 33 women with fibromyalgia for age, treatment dates, and program completion status.

Before and after a 3-week outpatient multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program, participants were assessed using various outcome measures, such as the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, the Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Catastrophizing subscale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. In addition, researchers compared the numbers of patients using opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines before and after treatment.

The results showed that men had lower health perception and more physical limitations, and women had greater life interference due to pain. Researchers observed that "these results support the hypothesis that pretreatment gender differences are present among fibromyalgia patients undergoing multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation and posttreatment gender differences persist despite improvements in physical and emotional functioning."

Do Users of Regularly Prescribed Opioids Have Higher Rates of Substance Use Problems Than Nonusers?
Mark J. Edlund, MD PhD,^*† Mark Sullivan, MD PhD,^‡ Diane Steffick, PhD,^*† Katherine M. Harris, PhD,^§ and Kenneth B. Wells, MD MPH^††

*Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, Veterans; †Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, Veterans; ‡Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; §RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA; RAND Corporation, Los Angeles, CA; ††Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

When prescribing patients opioids, clinicians must be aware of potential drug abuse problems and mediating mental health disorders. In this study, researchers evaluated the responses from a nationally representative survey (N = 9,279) to determine whether individuals who take prescribed opioids for chronic noncancer pain exhibit higher rates of any opioid misuse, any problem opioid misuse, nonopioid illicit drug use, nonopioid problem drug use, or any problem alcohol use compared with those who do not use prescribed opioids. The survey assessed regular use of prescribed opioids, substance use problems, mental health disorders, physical health, pain, and sociodemographics. Individuals using prescribed opioids had higher rates of opioid and nonopioid abuse problems compared with nonusers of prescribed opioids; however, the researchers believe these higher rates are partially mediated by depressive and anxiety disorders. Researchers concluded that "it is not possible to assign causal priority based on our cross-sectional data, but our findings are more compatible with mental disorders leading to substance abuse among prescription opioid users than prescription opioids themselves prompting substance abuse iatrogenically."

APS Elections Are Underway: Vote by March 14

Calling all members; the APS national election is now underway. Watch for your ballot invitation via e-mail or U.S. postal mail. Instructions and the Web address for the online election ballot will be included in these mailings.

This year you will vote to elect a Secretary, three Directors at Large, three Nominating Committee Past Presidents, and four Nominating Committee Members at Large. This year's slate of candidates is outstanding and represents the diversity and expertise of APS's membership. What's more, voting is easy and only takes a few minutes of your time to complete. Your vote is important; it's a way to influence the future of your association. Don't miss out on that opportunity.

If you have questions about the elections process, contact Marcia Cebula by phone at 847/375-4843 or by e-mail at mcebula@connect2amc.com. Voting will end March 14, 2008.

Foley Award Nominations Due March 5

APS sponsors the Kathleen M. Foley Journalist Award to recognize excellence in reporting pain-related topics. The award is designed to honor the work of journalists whose coverage of events, scientific discoveries, patient care, issues, and policies contribute to furthering public awareness and understanding of pain and pain-related issues.

Nominations from APS members for the Kathleen M. Foley Journalist Award are due March 5. Please email your nominations to Chuck Weber at cpweber@weberpr.com. In a short paragraph, your nomination should state the name of the journalist and publication and the title of the article you believe merits consideration for the award. A PDF of the article would be appreciated but isn't necessary. Also, please give a brief statement describing why you believe the candidate should be considered.

A Look Ahead: APS Annual Meeting
May 8–10, 2008
Tampa, FL
Register online today!

Distinguished Faculty
The APS 27th Annual Scientific Meeting promises to offer lively interdisciplinary exchanges among pain scientists and healthcare professionals. The APS Scientific Planning Committee, led by chair Tim Brennan, MD PhD, has put together a program that appeals to all disciplines. More than 130 distinguished faculty will share their expertise and research findings.

Online registration is open. Register today!

Corporate Satellite Symposia
Eight corporate satellite symposia will be offered in conjunction with the APS Annual Scientific Meeting. These independently sponsored, commercially supported symposia are open to the registrants of the APS 27th Annual Scientific Meeting. The programs have been reviewed by the APS Scientific Program Committee and approved after determining the topics to be presented are relevant to the audience and complementary to the official APS program. There is no fee to attend these symposia, but preregistration is required. Seating will be available at no charge to those responding on a first-come, first-served basis. Program details are subject to change. Speakers are subject to change. Please visit the APS Web site for the most current information.

Thursday, May 8
1–2:30 pm

State-of-the-Science: Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Formulations
Nathaniel P. Katz, MD MS; Lynn R. Webster, MD; Steven D. Passik, PhD
This session will summarize national data and analyze recent research and local data. Speakers will present data on types of technology under development and the available drug-specific research and discuss the benefits and limitations of these technologies. Finally, presenters will identify patient populations for whom these technologies will be most valuable by assessing the types of aberrant behavior addressed by such formulations and at the same time recognizing populations and behaviors for which they will likely be less useful.
Supported by an educational grant from Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC.

Traveling Pain's Pathways: Basing Treatment Upon the Underlying Neurobiology of Pain
B. Eliot Cole, MD MPA; David M. Simpson, MD
Untreated pain has been shown to alter neuronal function in key parts of the brain, underscoring the importance of early, effective treatment for pain to mitigate potentially irreversible changes. Ongoing pain research has uncovered fascinating insights involving the interaction of genetics, immune system, nervous system, and skin, contributing to the experience of pain. These insights have led to significant therapeutic research involving the manipulation of these natural processes to produce new, more effective pain-reducing therapies. Recognized experts in the field of pain management will facilitate this highly interactive activity using evidence-based presentations, results from clinical trials, and case study discussions to link advances in the current understanding about the neurobiology of pain and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Participants will also benefit from question-and-answer sessions. Clinicians attending this symposium will be able to appropriately prescribe novel treatments minimizing side effects by better targeting the body's specific pain-fighting mechanisms. Pre- and post-activity surveys will be conducted to elicit changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors in clinical practice.
Supported by an educational grant from Eli Lilly and Company.

Friday, May 9
6:45–8:15 am

Optimizing Treatment Outcomes in Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Robert H. Dworkin, PhD; Miroslav Misha Backonja, MD; Mark Steven Wallace, MD
Peripheral neuropathic pain presents a diagnostic and treatment challenge for healthcare professionals. In many cases, a patient with a preexisting condition presents with pain, the origin of which may be neuropathic, nociceptive, or of mixed etiology. In contrast to other sources of pain, pain of neuropathic origin derives from direct damage to the central or peripheral nervous system. An accurate diagnosis, though essential for effective treatment of neuropathic pain, is often difficult to achieve because of the subtle differences in symptom presentation associated with the different forms of pain. Further complicating matters is the wide array of treatment options for neuropathic pain as well as treatments a patient may be receiving for the underlying cause of such pain. Optimizing outcomes for patients with neuropathic pain requires a precise understanding of diagnostic factors and the knowledge of how and when to use the various treatment options available for such patients. A review of established treatment guidelines will illustrate how a multidisciplinary approach can further improve overall treatment outcomes in patients with neuropathic pain.
Supported by an educational grant from NeurogesX, Inc.

Treatment Strategies for Patients Not Responding to Increased Doses of Opioids: An Analgesic Roadmap for Clinicians
Charles Argoff, MD; Oscar de Leon-Casasola, MD; Robert J. Gatchel, PhD ABPP
Clinicians treating chronic noncancer pain patients are often faced with the problem of inadequate response despite escalating doses of opioids. Numerous approaches have to be considered in these cases, including the possibility of an underlying neuropathic pain condition, a case of genetic variation in the mu-opioid receptor affecting the response, a possibility of misuse or diversion, a possibility of hyperalgesia, and so on. Through a discussion of possible approaches to this problem, the multidisciplinary panel in this program will provide a practical roadmap to clinicians for improving practice and patient outcomes. Possible causes of a lack of response to other analgesic agents will be discussed as well. Supported by an educational grant from Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

12:30–2 pm

Multidrug Therapy for Chronic Pain: Scientific and Clinical Considerations
Paul J. Christo, MD; Charles E. Argoff, MD; Tony L. Yaksh, PhD; Ian Gilron, MD
This program is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the rationale and evidence base supporting the use of multidrug therapy for the treatment of patients with chronic pain. The molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms of chronic pain and their practical considerations for assessment and treatment will be discussed. Of central importance will be current and emerging strategies for developing individualized, multidrug therapeutic plans based, in part, on the etiology, psychosocial comorbidities, and temporal characteristics of the chronic pain state.
Supported by an educational grant from Cephalon, Inc.

Fibromyalgia Fundamentals for the Practitioner
Lesley M. Arnold, MD; David A. Williams, PhD
Recently, there has been substantial progress toward a better understanding of the complex pathophysiologic and genetic mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia. Although the condition has gained acceptance as a heterogeneous chronic pain syndrome, treatment advances have led to the first FDA approval of any drug indicated for use in patients with fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, gaps in knowledge persist and optimal management strategies remain uncertain. This program encompasses a review of the latest evidence regarding the etiology and treatment of fibromyalgia. A combination of didactic and interactive case-based educational methods are employed to provide clinicians with expert guidance in diagnostic strategies and treatment plans.
Supported by an educational grant from Pfizer Inc.

6:30–8:30 pm

Misuse and Abuse of Prescription Pain Medications: Profiling the Effects of Pain Medications and Minimizing Abuse, Misuse, and Diversion of Combination Opioids
Doug Gourlay, MD; Herbert Kleber, MD; James Zacny, PhD
This program is intended for those healthcare professionals involved in pain management and addiction, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, and pharmacists. The program will provide the most recent educational information regarding the effectiveness of current treatment options in pain management, focusing on the importance of quality-of-life factors during treatment as well as emerging technologies that help address unmet needs in pain management. The physiological and psychological effects, as well as responsible prescribing and education around safeguarding and discarding prescription pain medication, will also be addressed. The first presentation will examine best practices for minimizing and treating prescription pain medication misuse and abuse with an emphasis on teen abuse. The second presentation will discuss profiling the physiological and psychological effects of prescription pain medications in recreational and non-drug-abusing volunteers. The final presentation will review the emerging strategies in pain management to help improve treatment outcomes in patients with acute or chronic pain. A better understanding of the current issues surrounding effective pain management is required to help provide patients who suffer from acute or chronic pain with the most beneficial treatment outcomes.
Supported by an educational grant from Abbott Laboratories.

Saturday, May 10
Noon–1:30 pm

Clinical and Pharmacologic Perspectives on Opioid Use: Evidence-Based Strategies for Risk Assessment and Attenuation
Paul Christo, MD MBA; Robert N. Jamison, PhD; Barry Eliot Cole, MD MPA; Steven Passik, PhD
This symposium will present current perspectives on pharmacologic and patient behavioral factors contributing to the risk of opioid abuse, misuse, and diversion. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics that may contribute to the potential for abuse and misuse of various opioid formulations will be discussed, as will the psychological factors that put patients at increased risk. Moreover, methods for assessing individual patient risk as well as behavioral and pharmacologic strategies for reducing these risks in clinical practice will be reviewed.
Supported by an educational grant from King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Tampa
Tampa Bay is a vibrant waterfront area on Florida's beautiful west coast that offers a unique blend of urban excitement in a natural surrounding. Although it was originally the name of a body of water, Tampa Bay has come to represent the region comprising many distinct communities connected by the bay's waters. From the distinct Latin roots of Tampa's historic Ybor City and the Greek history of Tarpon Springs to the thrills of Busch Gardens and the many fascinating museums, you'll have plenty of exciting attractions and communities to explore.

From flambé to flan, Tampa Bay's multinational kitchen magicians work wonders with fresh seafood and locally grown produce. The dining scene in Tampa Bay is among the most diverse and distinctive in Florida. From the waterfront bistros serving fresh seafood to the Spanish dishes served by families who own and operate their own cafes, the quest for a memorable meal ends here. Every type of food and every sort of atmosphere is offered on the local menu.

From land or water, observe an abundance of birds in their natural habitats. Guided waterfront cruises offer close-up views of playful dolphins. Watch as fine cigars are hand-rolled in Ybor City. Ybor City's entertainment district, with more than 60 restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, draws up to 30,000 people on weekend nights.

Tampa Bay is a golfer's paradise, home to dozens of golf courses and host to major golfing events like the senior Champions Tour Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. Try your luck year round at any one of their challenging courses, or sharpen your skills at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy or Ben Sutton School of Golf. Don't have a tee time? Don't worry. There are services providing last minute tee times at their finest courses.

Need more information? Visit the following Web sites:
http://www.visittampabay.com/
http://www.tampaguide.com/
http://tampabay.citysearch.com/
http://www.tampabaymetro.com/

The APS Annual Meeting will take place at the Tampa Convention Center.

Hotels
APS has secured a limited number of sleeping rooms at a special rate at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina and Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa Convention Center.

Reservations can be made online, by fax, or by mail using the APS housing form.

Young Investigator Travel Support Application Deadline Is Rapidly Approaching

APS will again offer Young Investigator Awards for travel to the 2008 meeting. Funding awards are available to individuals presenting paper or poster abstracts at the meeting, May 8–10, 2008, in Tampa, FL. Applicants may be from any research training background (basic or clinical science, psychology, medicine, or biostatistics) and may be at any level in training, including students, residents, predoctoral trainees, postdoctoral fellows, or those who have completed their postdoctoral training within the last 3 years. All applicants must be members of APS.

The Young Investigator Travel Stipend application is available on the APS Web site at www.ampainsoc.org/meeting/annual_08/yits.htm. Applications must be completed online by February 29, 2008. If you have difficulty completing the application, contact APS at 847/375-4715. Applications will be reviewed by the APS Scientific Program Planning Committee, and stipends will be awarded by March 14, 2008. Notifications will be sent to all applicants after March 14. All eligible young investigators will receive their travel grants at the annual meeting.

The APS travel stipend program is made possible through educational grants and an allocation of APS operating funds.

JAMA Reports on Trends in Opioid Prescribing for Patients Seeking Care in Emergency Departments

A recent study in JAMA explored the effects that national quality improvement initiatives implemented in the late 1990s have had on the prescribing of opioids for treatment of pain in emergency departments. In particular, the study examined whether differential opioid prescribing by race/ethnicity has decreased since 2000. The results showed that overall opioid prescribing for patients making a pain-related visit to the emergency department has increased, but differences in opioid prescribing by race/ethnicity have not diminished.

Volunteer Spotlight: Robert Yezierski, PhD

Robert Yezierski, PhD, is a professor in the departments of orthodontics and neuroscience at the University of Florida, and, as director of a postdoctoral training program, spends a lot of time thinking about the next generation—of pain researchers, that is.

"It's critical that our students are trained properly to ensure there will be a well-equipped work force of pain researchers and clinicians that continues to develop and implement new strategies of pain management," said Yezierski. "Also, there is growing concern in the pain community that the future of pain research may be in jeopardy because the pipeline of new trainees is not as plentiful as it was 10 years ago."

Citing rapidly escalating demand for pain management as the well-documented national aging trend continues, Yezierski believes that APS should be actively involved in recruiting and developing the next generation of pain researchers and clinicians. "Training programs in the next decade need to teach the vision of the future and not dwell on past traditions. APS can be a strong force in making that happen."

To help APS move ahead in this direction, Yezierski became a section editor of the APS Bulletin, focusing on education and training. "Together, physicians and researchers must get involved in determining pain research priorities. Our job as researchers will be to make physicians aware that they need to be part of the discussion of identifying the important clinical questions and furthering opportunities for translational research," he explained. Yezierski added that there is a critical need to expand translational research to help close the gap between what has been learned about pain in the laboratory and what is applied clinically.

"To meet future needs in the field of pain, it will be important to emphasize multidisciplinary research strategies, and it will be critical to translate findings into effective pain management strategies at the bedside," Yezierski said.

A member since 1988, Yezierski joined APS while teaching at the University of Mississippi. He was attracted to APS because he wanted to become more involved in the pain care community and benefit from the organization's educational resources. "As a basic scientist interested in studying pain pathways, the APS Annual Meeting was a vehicle for me to learn about the clinical side of pain research," he recalled. Through the years, Yezierski has periodically served on the Scientific Program Committee, made plenary session presentations, and chaired panels at the annual meeting.

This year in Tampa, Yezierski will participate in a symposium titled "Effects of Aging and Comorbidity on Pain Processing: Clinical and Preclinical Studies." The session will explore how aging affects biological systems that influence pain responses in an effort to better understand pain mechanisms in the elderly and the implications for new treatment strategies. "The question of how advancing age influences biological systems underlying the pain experience may be the next major challenge in the field of pain research," said Yezierski. "We need to understand the biological variables responsible for changing pain sensitivities as people age."

Yezierski is currently the director of the Comprehensive Center for Pain Research and professor of orthodontics, neuroscience, and anesthesiology at the University of Florida and also serves as president of the Florida Pain Initiative.

IASP Collaborative Research Grants

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is pleased to announce a new grants program, IASP Collaborative Research Grants, the first of which was awarded in 2001. The purpose of these grants is to encourage and support collaborative research between two or more research groups located in different countries. The grants are intended to foster multidisciplinary and international collaborations. Priority will be given to collaborations between basic science and clinical research groups. The grants will cover, in full or in part, the cost of travel and accommodation for investigators of one group who work in another of the collaborating laboratories. Evidence must be provided that the costs of the actual research can be covered with other funds. The maximum grant awarded will be $15,000. For more information, please click here.