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Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar SCROLL THROUGH OUR HISTORY Filter Beginnings Forming the Organization The Journal of Pain History BECOME A MEMBER What began as a small gathering of passionate researchers has grown into a premier event, bringing together experts from around the world. Over the years, we’ve fostered collaboration, sparked innovative ideas, and helped shape the future of pain science. As we continue to evolve, our commitment to excellence and meaningful progress in pain research remains at the heart of our mission. Present Building a New Association But with an established journal to our name, the USASP will be starting out with at least one solid block in the foundation upon which we will be building a new association. Thus, with a little luck and a lot of hard work, the new Board of Directors will establish an association that meets the needs of its membership, facilitating their struggle to achieve better and more effective pain management for all who need it. ‎ ‎ June 2020 The Road Ahead This initial Board of Directors of the USASP will have a lot to accomplish in its first year, including a membership drive, the first annual meeting, and the application to be the US chapter of the IASP, all done in the face of an ongoing pandemic, opioid crisis, and long overdue cultural revolution. Our First Board May 2020 Leadership of the USASP The initial board is composed of volunteers from the Organizing Committee who agreed to sit for terms ranging between ~one and ~three years and were elected by the Organizing Committee. Our First Board May 2020 Defining Values and Structure Needs Assessment survey data were used to guide remaining decisions about the structure of the board, election process, and board composition. This last issue generated the most discussion, with the final decision being that board composition would be a dynamic process whereby board seats for each election would be defined by the “call for nominations” generated by a nominating committee, with the goal of generating a board reflecting the composition of the membership, including diversity, across the pain research committee. Finally, an implementation plan enabled the USASP to transition to a member-based society with a turnover of 1/3 of the board every year. ‎ ‎ May 2020 Final Contract for the JoP A final contract was signed with Elsevier on May 18 2020, and the Journal resumed accepting new manuscript submissions the next day. ‎ ‎ March 2020 Standing on our Own One of the few issues not covered in the Needs Assessment was whether the USASP could or should be established as a “sister” organization to another established society. Given the number of potential partners, the near unanimous Organizing Committee vote on this issue was that while the USASP should facilitate interactions across and between societies, it should be a stand-alone organization. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite March 2020 Forming Sub Committees Thus, subcommittees were established to address the nuts and bolts of turning the three member 501(c)(3) that was the USASP into a member-based society. This included laying the groundwork for a presence in the ether (website, twitter handle), plans for an annual meeting (to be virtual in the Fall of 2020), and most importantly, the structure of the organization in terms of bylaws and articles of incorporation. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite March 2020 Forming the USASP With the JoP related issues relatively clearly defined, the Organizing Committee turned its focus to addressing the clear mandate from the Needs Assessment to develop a US-based pain society that is multidisciplinary and brings together scientists, clinicians, health-care providers, and policymakers to support the study of pain in order to directly improve the lives of people in pain. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite February 2020 The Consensus on Structure There was a broader range of opinions with respect to the answer to the second question with no clear consensus on the structure of the organization (Federation vs more traditional structure), how leadership and representation would be determined (by special interest group, discipline, etc), and whether the organization was run day to day by volunteers or a company. Nevertheless, the vast majority of respondents indicated that what they wanted most out of a society was a professional meeting, multidisciplinary membership, a journal, networking opportunities, and national advocacy. ‎ ‎ February 2020 Results from our Needs Assessment Survey A total of 933 responses were received from many individuals interested in the US pain community and a longer report on the results of this assessment can be found below. The answer to the first question was clear: 71% (n=617) of professionals and trainees residing in the US who responded to the survey (n=869) indicated that the available professional societies were not meeting their needs for their work in pain. Committee member contact lists, listservs, social media users, as well as avenues including the US members of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). January 2020 The Legal Process Legal fees associated with the wording of the purchase agreement, as well as support for the JoP editorial office that continued to process manuscripts in the publication pipeline through what proved to be a long process of finalizing an editorial agreement needed to resume publication of the journal. Dr. Gebhart represented the USASP in court three times over the coming months. January 2020 Our Fundraising Efforts Altogether, this campaign generated more than $170,000 (list of donors to be added when JoP editorial published), which not only covered the winning bid and purchase of the Journal on January 14, and the expedited processing of the USASP registration process, but what turned out to be a rapidly growing list of additional expenses. ‎ ‎ December 2019 Second Roadblock The second issue was going to require a lot of quick decisions that were addressed by the Organizing Committee. They lead in formation of the United States Association for the Study of Pain (USASP), a registered 501(c)(3) corporation, for the purpose of purchasing the JoP. Lead by Dr. Jessica Merlin, Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite December 2019 First Roadblock Employed to address the first issue, which included establishing a GoFundMe campaign (that raised almost $30,000) and a lot of direct contacts. Dr. Gerald Gebhart, the first Editor in Chief of the JoP December 2019 Intensifying the Scope The compressed time-line precipitated a scramble to not only raise the money needed for the purchase of the Journal, but to create a non-profit organization that would enable potential donors to make the needed contributions. ‎ ‎ December 2019 A Window of Opportunity Despite all the work that would still need to be done to form a society, let alone the awkward fact of putting the cart (a society journal) before the horse (the formation of a society), the possibility of purchasing JoP was just too good to pass up. ‎ ‎ December 2019 The Journal of Pain On just about the same day the Needs Assessment survey was heading out the door, the details of the auction of the Journal of Pain (JoP) were announced. An opening bid (of no less than $10,000) was due December 9, with the auction date set for December 12. ‎ ‎ November 2019 Finding the Answers To answer these questions the committee generated a Needs Assessment survey that was released in November, and concluded in February. First Annual Meeting Committee October 2019 Beginning the Work Formally addressing the two questions originally posed: Is there a need for a new US pain research organization, given the existence of multiple pain societies, and if so, what would it look like? Comprised of 41 individuals across the country. October 2019 Our First Committee The result was the creation of a group of 41 individuals from across the country, with varied career trajectories, specialty, and interests, all committed the promotion of interdisciplinary pain research. ‎ ‎ September 2019 Selecting our Representatives Some groups, such as basic pain scientists, held an election. Others, such as the Eastern Pain Society had already voted for their representative who were invited to join. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite September 2019 Finding Diverse Professionals The goal was to make representation on this committee as broad as possible, and the strategy was to reach out to any and all groups, specialties, disciplines with a link to pain research. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite September 2019 Forming the First Committee Taking this consensus as mandate, we began putting together an Organizing Committee for a US-based pain society. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite August 2019 A Virtual Consensus The discussion focused on whether existing pain associations met the needs of the larger pain research community and therefore whether a new organization was needed. While a number of attendees felt it was important to work with the existing pain associations, the clear consensus was that there was a need for a new organization. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite along with Drs. Julie Christianson and Doug Wright August 2019 Collaborating Together Not only did they agree to devote time, but enabled pain researchers from around the country who were not able to attend the Midwest regional Pain Interest Group in person, to participate in the discussion virtually (who knew this would become our norm in a little over eight months!). Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite along with Drs. Julie Christianson and Doug Wright August 2019 Broadening Discussions Approached the organizers of the Midwest regional Pain Interest Group to see if time could be devoted to a discussion of the future of a US based pain research association. Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite along with Drs. Julie Christianson and Doug Wright July 2019 A Need for New Drs. Michael Gold and Jennifer Haythornthwaite had been reaching out to pain researchers around the country to get their thoughts on whether a new pain society was needed and if so, what it might look like. ‎ ‎

Abdominal and Pelvic Pain Chair: Aaron Mickle, University of Florida Co-Chair: Lakeisha Lewter, University of Texas in Dallas Understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and management of abdominal and pelvic pain by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, research, education, and advocacy. Key principles guiding this group are collaboration, supporting research initiatives, and advocating for improved access to compassionate and equitable care. Upcoming Events and Resources Meetings are held on the third Friday of each month from at 1300h ET. Structured to provide a valuable experience for both our trainees and seasoned researchers. Each meeting will feature one trainee which will have the opportunity to present their ongoing research for 10-15 minutes, followed by an open discussion. Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Pain and Aging Chair: Kelly Naugle, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Co-Chair: Larissa Strath, University of Florida Advancing pain management across the lifespan by fostering innovative research and education collaborations coupled with promoting equitable and evidence-based pain management for older adults from all backgrounds. Upcoming Events and Resources You're all caught up! No new updates to display. Our Spring 2024 Newsletter Our Fall 2023 Newsletter Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Complementary and Integrative Pain Management Chair: Richard Harris, University of Michigan Co-Chair: Norman Kettner, Logan University More details about this SIG will be available soon Upcoming Events and Resources You're all caught up! No new updates to display. Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Acute (to Chronic) Pain Chair: Paramita Basu, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research Co-Chair: Mollie Meffert, Johns Hopkins University SOM Understanding of mechanisms, assessment, prevention, and management of acute pain, including the transition from acute to chronic pain. We achieve our goals by highlighting the importance of collaboration, promoting the study of acute pain, exchanging information, improving programs, and fostering education through events and workshops. Upcoming Events and Resources Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each Month at 1400h ET. Explore preclinical models of post-surgical pain, mechanisms involved in the transition from menstrual to chronic pain in adolescents, molecular mechanisms of chronic pain, acute to chronic postsurgical pain in adolescents, the genomics and psychosocial factors of acute to chronic post-surgical pain in pediatric patients, the effects of THC in patients with neuropathic pain. Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Pain Neuroimaging Chair: Lauren Atlas, National Institutes of Health Co-Chair: Katherine Martucci, Duke University More details about this SIG will be available soon Upcoming Events and Resources fMRI Methods Town Hall – Everything you wanted to know about using pain & sensory stimulation in the MRI scanner environment This event was an informative session on fMRI methods and the use of pain and sensory stimulation in the MRI scanner environment. The town hall featured presentations from leading experts, who shared practical knowledge that could be applied to research. Dr. Daniel Harper (Emory) shared insights on QST Labs and Medoc equipment, focusing on specific equipment models, their setup, and optimal use in the scanner environment. Drs. Dario Pfyffer and Merve Kaptan (Stanford University) discussed other modalities in the scanner environment, such as fully automated cold pressor, TS, and mechanical pressure pain. Dr. Arvina Grahl (Harvard University) provided insights on assessing responses to pain stimuli using pressure cuffs in a scanner. Dr. Massieh Moayedi (University of Toronto), an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Pain NeuroImaging, shared extensive knowledge on pain neuroimaging, incorporating multiple stimulation devices and brain imaging modalities. Listen Here Join us to hear from Dr. Vince Calhoun (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory) and Dr. Andrew Michael (Duke University). Dr. Vince Calhoun will cover the basics though advanced techniques for using functional connectivity and network neuroscience methods to analyze neuroimaging data, and Dr. Andrew Michael will provide a recently published example of applying these methods to pain research. An Introduction to Data-driven Functional (Network) Connectivity Speaker: Vince Calhoun, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, Director of Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS) at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory Enhanced Motor Network Engagement during Reward Gain Anticipation in Fibromyalgia Speaker: Andrew Michael PhD, Director of Imaging Analytics and Informatics, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Paper Details: Enhanced motor network engagement during reward gain anticipation in fibromyalgia. Park SH, Michael AM, Baker AK, Lei C, Martucci KT. Cortex. 2024 Apr;173:161-174. PMID: 38417389; PMCID: PMC10963137. doi: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.12.017. Listen Here The Pain and Neuroimaging SIG will met on January 30th at 4pm ET . This meeting featured presentations from Dr. Etienne Vachon-Presseau and Dr. Adam Thomas, PhD. Information about both speakers and their presentations can be found below. Adam Thomas, PhD leads the Data Science and Sharing Team at the National Institute of Mental Health’s Intramural Research Program. The team mission is to support and advance the creation, distribution, and utilization of large, open datasets to accelerate discovery. The team provides tools and training to help scientists embrace open and reproducible science practices. This includes standardized; community recognized formats and repositories for data storage and dissemination, collaborative, version controlled tools for developing analysis code, and open distribution of all experimental methods and results to maximize impact and reproducibility. In this presentation Dr. Thomas will provide a brief overview of the past, present, and future of neuroimaging data sharing repositories as well as the challenges the field faces in achieving wide adoption of data sharing. Etienne Vachon-Presseau, PhD is an Assistant Professor and Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. Title : New insights for chronic pain using large publicly available datasets. Substantial scientific progress has been observed due to publicly available large datasets. I will first discuss data-driven models applying machine learning algorithms on self-report questionnaires to derive a pain risk score predictive of different pain conditions, spreading of pain, medical conditions, use of opioids, disability, and other comorbidities. I will then provide specific examples of brain-based biomarkers derived in the UK Biobank for different pain conditions, insisting on the limitations of the approach for personalized medicine. Yet, I will still argue that brain-based biomarkers studied across a wide range of pain-related medical conditions are informative to better understand and characterize chronic pain syndromes. Listen Here Past SIG meeting - January 30th at 4pm ET (speaker bios ) Members can watch a recording of this meeting here . Review our January meeting with Adam Thomas and Etienne Vachon-Presseau here . Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Clinical and Translational Research Chair: Anitha Saravanan, Northern Illinois University Co-Chair: Neil Singla, Lotus Clinical Research Cultivating a collaborative approach for translational preclinical, clinical and population research specialties in pain. “Advance Pain Management from Bench to Bedside.” Promoting a translational research approach within USASP Develop educational initiatives (seminars/ workshops) to disseminate recent discoveries in clinical and translational research in acute and chronic pain. Create awareness of how clinical and translational studies in pain can improve outcomes of pain management, function, mobility, and quality of life across all populations. Bridge gap between preclinical research and clinical improvement in managing pain. Develop a community of diverse researchers and clinicians from all backgrounds with a common interest in clinical and translational research in pain to conduct interdisciplinary work. Share innovative findings and advances in study design, methods, and analyses in clinical and translational research in pain. Disseminate scientific information to enhance policy changes and to facilitate adoption of best practices in community settings. Foster communication for those that need it most. Create opportunities for trainees and early career investigators to collaborate by networking with experts. Encourage an open forum for all CTR SIG participants, including those belonging to diverse backgrounds to meet and interact. Conduct workshops, and other events to grow the CTR- SIG community. Enrich experiences of members by initiating various mentor-mentee activities (e.g., networking meetings, “Slido polls” “Kahoot” sessions) Upcoming Events and Resources You're all caught up! No new updates to display. Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Bylaws Adopted July 21, 2020. ABOUT US ARTICLE I: NAME This non-profit corporation's name is the United States Association for the Study of Pain Inc., and it is hereinafter referred to in these Bylaws as the “Association." ARTICLE II: PURPOSES AND MISSION The purposes for which the Association is organized are exclusively educational, scientific, and charitable in nature, consistent with the Association’s status as an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as further set out in the Articles of Incorporation. The mission of the Association is to bring together scientists, clinicians, health-care providers, and policymakers to stimulate and support the study of pain and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief. ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP 3.1 Classes There are two classes of Membership in the Association and all members shall support the mission of the Association. A. Regular Members Scientists, physicians, health professionals, and other persons interested in the mission of the Association. Regular members in good standing upon retirement from professional activities may transfer to Retired member status within this category. B. Trainee Members Scientists, physicians, and other health professionals in training or enrolled in a degree-granting program who are interested in the mission of the Association. 3.2 Appointment of Members Any person interested in being appointed as a Member shall apply for membership to the Association. The application process will follow procedures developed by the Board of Directors. 3.3 Rights of Membership A. Benefits Membership in the Association is a privilege contingent on compliance with the requirements of these Bylaws and such other general requirements of membership that the Board of Directors may adopt. The Board may establish different benefits for different classes of Members, to be offered and implemented by the Association, but all Members within a class will receive the same benefits. B. Voting Rights All Regular and Trainee Members in good standing are entitled to one vote on matters brought before the membership. The Board of Directors will determine the means by which voting will be conducted. C. No Power to Bind Association No Member or group of Members may enter into a contract or agreement binding the Association, financially or otherwise, or purport to speak on behalf of the Association without prior express written authority from the Board of Directors. D. Termination of Membership Any Member may relinquish his or her membership in the Association by giving written notice and/or failure to pay annual dues within the designated period. The Board, by majority vote, may also revoke membership for good cause. Any Member in good standing may petition the Board for revocation of any other Member’s membership for good cause, including but not limited to, activities in contravention of the activities or goals of the Association. The Association will not refund any dues or assessments upon either voluntary relinquishment or involuntary revocation of membership. In addition, the Member shall forfeit any and all rights and privileges of membership upon termination. The Membership of any member in good standing may be revoked only after a hearing at which the Member whose expulsion is being recommended is given an opportunity to be heard in the Member’s own defense. Upon such a hearing, a recommendation will be drafted and submitted to the Board for consideration. The Board will meet not less than thirty (30) days after the distribution of the recommendation to discuss the issue. An action of revocation shall occur upon a two-thirds vote of the Board present and voting. 3.4 Membership Dues and Assessments A. Dues Each class of member shall pay dues and special assessments as established by the Board according to the needs of the Association. Dues shall be payable upon acceptance of the membership application. B. Delinquency in Dues A Member who has not paid dues within a period of three (3) months after billing shall be notified of forfeiture of membership unless all indebtedness to the Association is met within thirty (30) days of the notice of forfeiture and will not have any rights as a Member until dues are paid in full. A former Member can reinstate membership upon payment of all back dues. Resignation, suspension, or revocation of membership shall not relieve any Member from liability for unpaid dues or other assessed fees or charges. C. Waiver and Adjustment of Dues or Assessments The Board or its designee may reduce or waive the requirement of payment of dues or assessments from a particular Member. 3.5 Meetings of Members A. Time and Place A General Meeting of the Members shall be held at such time and place as shall be fixed by the Board, occurring usually during the Scientific Meeting of the USASP. Special meetings of the Members may be called by the President, at least two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Board, or by Regular Members having at least one-tenth (1/10th) of the votes entitled to be cast at such a meeting. Such meetings may be held at any place and can include virtual meetings. The meeting notice will provide the location or information on accessing the virtual meeting. B. Notice of Meetings The Board shall inform the Members either by written or electronic communication of the place, day, and hour of the general meeting at least ninety (90) days prior to the General Meeting and at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of a Special Meeting. C. Quorum/Voting A quorum is one-tenth (1/10th) of the Regular Members or 100 voting Members, whichever is the smaller, represented in person or by proxy. An affirmative vote is the simple majority of the quorum unless otherwise stated in the bylaws. 3.6 Proxies A. Regular Proxies A Member entitled to vote may vote in person at a General Meeting or special meeting of Members or may authorize in writing or other form of transmission another person to act for such Member by proxy. B. Proof of Proxy A copy, facsimile, or other reliable reproduction of the proxy writing or transmission made under Section A may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any purpose for which the original writing or transmission could be used provided that the copy, facsimile, or other reproduction is a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission. ARTICLE IV: BOARD OF DIRECTORS 4.1 General Powers The property, affairs, and business of the Association shall be supervised by the Board of Directors, which shall be guided by recommendations of the Association in accordance with these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may by general resolution delegate to officers of the Association and to committees such powers as provided for in these Bylaws. 4.2 Composition The Board of Directors shall consist of up to thirteen (13) voting members of the Association. These members shall be up to four (4) elected Officers, namely the President, Secretary, and the Treasurer, in alternate years the President-Elect or the Immediate Past President, and up to nine (9) elected Directors. One Director will be an Early Career Representative, who shall have at least completed a terminal degree (e.g., MD, PhD, RN), but either still be in training (i.e., post-doctoral fellow) or be within five (5) years of having completed training at the time of election. In addition, a liaison from the International Association for the Study of Pain Executive Committee or Board may be an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board. Insofar as practical, the composition of the Board of Directors shall reflect the members’ primary disciplines and include a diverse group in terms of characteristics including gender, race, stage of career development, and geographical location. 4.3 Qualifications Directors must be over eighteen (18) years of age and must have been Regular Members of the Association for at least two years. Directors must have such additional qualifications as the Board may prescribe. 4.4 Powers and Duties All corporate powers shall be exercised by, or under the authority of, the Board, and the business and affairs of the Association shall be managed under the direction of the Board. The powers and duties of the Board shall include but not be limited to the following: A. to implement and further the mission of the Association stated in the Articles of Incorporation; B. to review and approve the program for Scientific Meeting of the USASP; C. to review, modify, and/or approve a proposed budget for the Association prepared by the Finance Committee; D. to review and present to the general meeting of the Members of the Association the Treasurer's report concerning the financial condition of the Association; E. to approve arrangements and adopt resolutions relating to deposit of funds of the Association; F. to appoint an executive officer to serve at the discretion of the Board; and G. to perform such other functions as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Association. As an individual member of the Board of Directors, each Director has also has the following responsibilities: A. review agenda and supporting materials prior to Board meetings; B. participate in Board meetings; C. follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies; and D. stay informed about the association’s mission, services, priorities, policies, and programs. 4.5 Limitation on Powers Except as otherwise set forth expressly in these Bylaws or as authorized in advance by Board resolution, no Director or group of Directors may enter into a contract or agreement binding the Association, financially or otherwise, or purport to speak on behalf of the Association. 4.6 Compensation Directors shall serve as such without compensation, but by resolution of the Board of Directors expenses of attendance may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board. 4.7 Terms and Appointment The elected officers shall serve their terms as specified in Article V. Directors shall serve terms of three (3) years or until their successors are elected. Directors may serve no more than 2 consecutive full terms and may be re-elected as a Director for a term beginning three (3) years after conclusion of his or her prior terms. A partial term of less than two (2) years, such as may occur in filling the vacancy of another Board member, shall not be counted in determining the number of consecutive terms a Director may serve. Each Director shall hold office from the end of the annual General Meeting in the year following his or her election until the election of his or her successor or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, or death. The Board of Directors may establish a procedure so that after the expiration of the terms of the initial directors one-third of the membership of the Board of Directors is elected each year. 4.8 Election of Directors A. Nominations Approximately six (6) months prior to the General Meeting, the Nominating Committee will solicit Regular Members for nominations of persons to be elected as Directors on the Board. A Regular Member may nominate up to as many persons as there are positions to be filled on the Board. The Board will develop nominating policies and procedures. B. Secret Ballot Each Regular Member, in the election of persons to the Board, shall be entitled to one vote for each of the positions to be filled. Election shall take place by secret ballot. The nominee per position who receives the highest number of votes shall be deemed elected. 4.9 Removal of Directors The vote of a majority of the Directors then in office shall be required to remove a Director from office prior to the expiration of the term for which that Director has been elected. 4.10 Resignation Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, at the time of acceptance thereof as determined by the President or Board of Directors. 4.11 Vacancies Any vacancy occurring on the Board prior to the end of a Director’s term shall be appointed by the President, giving due weight to the guiding principles referred to in Section 4.2 and subject to the approval by the Board of Directors. Such an appointed member shall serve until the expiration of the term of his or her predecessor. The person so appointed shall hold office for the length of the unexpired term. If the unexpired term is two (2) years or less, that person is eligible to be elected to a consecutive term. 4.12 Board Meetings A. Time and Place The Board of Directors shall provide by resolution the time and place for the holding of the annual meeting of the Board and any other regular meetings of the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President, or by a majority of the voting Directors, who may fix any place, whether within or without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any special meeting. B. Notice The Board shall receive notice of the annual meeting not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least one (1) week previous thereto by written notice delivered personally, electronic methods or mail delivered to each director at his physical or electronic address as shown in the records of the Association. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If notice be given by electronic methods, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when the notice is sent to an address or number approved by the recipient. The attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by law or by these Bylaws. C. Participation As determined in the discretion of the Board or the Executive Committee, members of the Board may participate in a Regular or special meeting of the Board by means of telephone, videoconference or any means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting are able to hear one another, and such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting. D. Presiding Officer Meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the President or by a person designated by the President to preside at the meeting. E. Quorum The presence of a majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board; but if less than a majority of the Directors are present at said meeting, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. F. Voting Board resolutions require a simple majority of all Directors present when there is a quorum at a meeting or a two thirds vote when the Board conducts business by mail or email. The written consent or consents to such action shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. G. Action without a Meeting Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board, or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. 4.13 Chief Executive Officer The Board of Directors may appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who shall be responsible for the daily management of the Association’s affairs and who shall supervise the activities and functions of the Association’s central office. The terms and conditions of this appointment shall be specified by the Board of Directors. the CEO is authorized to take any or all of the following actions without prior Board approval in managing the normal and usual day-to-day operations of the Association, provided that such actions are consistent with the approved annual budget, Board policies and resolutions, the mission and purpose of the Association, and the provisions of the Association’s Articles and Bylaws and provided that such actions will not jeopardize the Association’s status as an exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code: (a) approve disbursements and execute agreements and other documents, on behalf of the Association; (b) certify factual matters pertaining to the Association; and (c) execute checks for Association purposes from the Association’s bank accounts subject to such monetary limits established by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE V. OFFICERS 5.1 Officers The Officers of the Association shall be a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and in alternating years a President-Elect or Immediate Past President. 5.2 General Powers and Duties Subject to the control of the Board, all Officers as between themselves and the Association shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the Association as set forth expressly in these Bylaws or as expressly provided by the Board. Projects involving sponsorship by the Association shall be submitted to and approved by the Executive Committee before any agreement is effective. 5.3 Specific Powers and Duties A. President The President shall exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Association, its officers, and personnel, consistent with policies established by the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at meetings of the Executive Committee, Board, and Members; be responsible for executing policies determined by the Board; and act as principal spokesperson for the Association. Additionally, the President is entitled to participate as an ex officio member, with a vote, on the Board, Executive Committee, and Finance Committee. The President is entitled to participate as an ex officio member, without vote, on all other committees and all task forces of the Association. The President may sign any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws or by statute to some other officer or agent of the Association; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of the President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The President shall serve for a term of two (2) years and may not be re-elected. B. President-Elect The President-Elect shall succeed to the presidency. The President-Elect shall assist the President in his or her duties as the President shall request and shall substitute for the President when required to and shall chair meetings in the absence or disability of the President. The President-Elect shall serve for a term of one (1) year. C. Immediate Past-President The Immediate Past-President shall assist the President-Elect in his or her duties. The Immediate Past-President shall serve for a term of one (1) year. D. Secretary The Secretary shall oversee a process for the maintenance of the corporate records of the Association (other than financial records) and the preparation of the minutes of all meetings held by the Members, the Board, and the Executive Committee. The Secretary will oversee the keeping, preparation, and filing of all other records required by law or by the policies of the Board; be custodian of the corporate records, keep a register of the post office address of each Director which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such Director; and in general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President or by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall be responsible to see that accurate records are kept for all members. The Secretary shall serve for a term of three (3) years for no more than three (3) consecutive terms. E. Treasurer The Treasurer shall oversee a process for the custody of the Association's funds and securities, the keeping of a full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements of funds belonging to the Association, and the deposit of all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Association in such depositories as may be designated by the Board. He or she shall also disburse the funds of the Association as may be ordered by the Board and shall report to the Board of Directors at their regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, and to the Membership an account of the financial condition of the Association. The Treasurer shall have authority to sign all checks and disbursements. Additionally, checks and disbursements shall be signed by agents of the Association as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. The Treasurer shall retain full responsibility for such fiscal transactions. The Treasurer shall serve as chair of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall serve for a term of three (3) years for no more than three (3) consecutive terms. 5.4 Compensation The Association may pay compensation to Officers for services rendered in such reasonable amounts as may be fixed by the Board. 5.5 Vacancy In the event of the death, disability, removal, resignation, or other permanent incapacity of an Officer of the Association, except the President, the Board of Directors shall elect one of its Directors to serve in such capacity for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the office of the President shall become vacant, the President-Elect shall immediately assume the office of President and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, serve the remainder of the unexpired term as well as the succeeding term. 5.6 Removal The Board may remove any elected Officer for good cause at any time by a majority vote of the Directors, provided that such action is taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors called expressly for that purpose and provided that the Officer has at least twenty (20) days’ notice and an opportunity to personally address the Board either in person or by phone or videoconference, as determined in the discretion of Board. The Board may remove any appointed Officer in the same manner as that Officer was appointed. ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES 6.1 General The Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Directors in office, may designate and appoint one or more Board, standing, special, or ad hoc committees and/or task forces for a tenure designated by resolution. The President may designate and appoint one or more special or ad hoc committees and/or task forces for a tenure corresponding to the tenure of office of the President. The committees shall have and exercise the authority established by resolution or by these Bylaws. The creation of, delegation of authority to, or action by a committee, whether standing, special, or ad hoc, shall not operate to relieve the Board, or any individual Director, of any responsibility imposed upon it or him or her by law. The Board and President can disband any committee they create. 6.2 Composition Whether designated by the Board or President, each committee shall consist of at least one Director in addition to any further membership requirements imposed by resolution or these Bylaws and each committee shall be chaired by a Regular Member and include a Trainee Member except as otherwise provided by resolution or these Bylaws. Wherever possible, committee chairs shall be Officers or Directors. Any persons designated as ex officio members of a committee, either by resolution or these Bylaws, shall be nonvoting members of that committee. 6.3 Limitation on Powers Except with respect to the Executive Committee, neither a committee member nor the committee as a whole may enter into a contract or agreement binding the Association or purport to speak on behalf of the Association. Such actions may only be taken upon a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. Persons active in committee or task force work who are not Members of the Association are external consultants to the committee and shall not have the right of vote. 6.4 Standing Committees The Association will have the following committees but may add other committees and task forces as needed: Executive, Membership, Nominations, Finance, and Scientific Program. All committees shall annually submit a written report of their activities and proposals. All committees’ actions are subject to approval by the Board. A. Executive Committee This committee shall consist of the President, President-elect/ Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one non-officer representative of the Directors elected by the Board of Directors. The non-officer representative shall be elected by vote, shall serve a one (1) year term, and shall have the ability to be re-elected. The committee shall have the power to execute the policies and directions of the Board and shall oversee the financial affairs of the Association. The President shall serve as Chair of the Executive Committee. B. Membership Committee This committee shall consist of five or more Regular Members of the Association, including at least one Trainee Member, and will develop policies and procedures regarding the membership application process. C. Nominations Committee This committee shall consist of a chair and five or more Regular Members of the Association, including at least one Trainee Member. The duties of the committee shall be to solicit nominees that represent the disciplines and composition of the membership. The committee will evaluate each nominee for qualifications and then present to the Association membership the names of all qualified candidates for election to the Board and to the Officers of the Association. D. Finance Committee This committee is chaired by the Treasurer and composed of the Secretary, three Regular Members of the Board, and a member of the Editorial Board of one of the Association’s journals. The President and President-Elect shall be ex officio members with the right to vote on matters before the committee. The duties shall be to determine the amount of annual dues and any special assessments for Members, prepare a budget of anticipated income and expenditures, and make recommendations on reserve funds and investments of the Association. The Finance committee works with the Association’s external auditor to ensure compliance with accounting rules and regulations. E. Scientific Program Committee This committee shall consist of a chair and at least six other Members, including at least one Trainee Member. The committee, subject to Board approval, plans, directs, and supervises the scientific program presented at the annual meeting of the Association. ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 7.1 Fiscal Year A fiscal year of the Association shall commence on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of the following December. 7.2 Borrowing Authority and Loans No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Association, and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. No loans shall be made by the Association to its Directors or Officers. 7.3 Books and Records The Association shall keep correct and complete books and records of the accounts, activities, and transactions of the Association; minutes of the proceedings of the Board and any committee of the Association; and a current list of the Members, Directors, and Officers of the Association and their official addresses. Any of the books, minutes, and records of the Association may be in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time. All books and records of the Association may be inspected by any Member having voting rights, or his or her agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. 7.4 Authority to Enter Agreements The Board may authorize any Officer or agent to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Except as so authorized, no Member or group of Members, committee or committee member, Officer, or Director may enter into a contract or agreement binding the Association financially or otherwise or purport to speak on behalf of the Association. ARTICLE VIII. INDEMNIFICATION 8.1 Indemnification of Directors, Officers, and Others The liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by any current or former Director, Officer, committee member, volunteer, or employee (an “Eligible Person”) in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed civil action, arbitration, mediation, administrative proceeding, criminal prosecution, or investigatory action by reason of that Eligible Person’s position with or service to the Association. A. Shall, to the extent allowed by law, be indemnified if the person acted in good faith and reasonably believed in the case of conduct in an official capacity that the conduct was in the best interests of the Association and, in all other cases, that her or his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the Association; and in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, which indemnification shall be done only after complying with the provisions of the Maryland Nonprofit Corporation Act regarding the process for making determinations about indemnification and the advance of expenses; B. But shall not be indemnified in connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct for which the person was adjudged liable on the basis that the person received a financial benefit to which she or he was not entitled, whether or not involving action in an official capacity. 8.2 Scope The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Indemnified Party may be entitled under any statute, Bylaw, agreement, resolution of the Board, or otherwise and shall not restrict the power of the Association to make any indemnification permitted by law. 8.3 Insurance The Association will purchase insurance to fund its indemnification obligations under Section 8.1 and may purchase insurance on behalf of any person against any liability that could arise out of such person’s status as Director, Officer, employee, or agent of the Association or out of acts taken in that capacity, whether or not the Association would have the power to indemnify the person against that liability under law, and may advance expenses for indemnification to such persons to the fullest extent allowed by law. 8.4 Savings Clause If any part of Article 8 shall be found in any action, suit, or proceeding to be invalid or ineffective, the validity and effectiveness of the remaining parts shall not be affected. ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS 9.1 These Bylaws may be amended or repealed in whole or in part as follows: On resolution by a majority action of the Directors then in office, or by a written proposal signed by one hundred (100) or ten (10) percent of the Regular Members, whichever is less, followed by approval by one of the following methods: A. Simple majority of votes cast by voting Members at a meeting of the Members, with the effective date of the amendment being the date of the vote; or B. A ballot of voting Members initiated by the Board, approved by a simple majority of votes cast by voting Members, with the effective date of the amendment being the deadline for the return of ballots; In the event the voting Members do not ratify the amendment, any actions taken by the Board pursuant to the amendment shall be valid and binding but the amendment will no longer be effective after the membership vote. When amendments are put to a vote at a General Meeting or ballot, written notice of the proposed amendment shall be sent to all voting Members thirty (30) days prior to the vote or ballot. Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Pain Epidemiology Chair: Kenneth Taylor, Duke University Co-Chair: Rui Li, Seattle Children's Hospital 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. Upcoming Events and Resources 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 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain APPLY FOR THIS AWARD The Foundation has awarded annually two grants or more in the amount of $150,000 over three years to early-career investigators pursuing innovative research that focuses on basic science mechanisms of pain. Applications for the 2025 Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain are OPEN through December 11, 2024. More details on the Pain Research Awards Eligibility To be eligible for the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain, the applicant must: Have received committed start-up funds and independent laboratory space from their institution. (This information must be clearly indicated in the Department Chair/Division Chief’s letter of support for the candidate.) Be within three years of the start date of a tenure track position or equivalent (senior postdocs and associate professors are not eligible.)* Conduct their research and be appointed at an institution in the United States or Canada. Demonstrate a commitment to the field of pain research. *If extenuating circumstances slowed your tenure trajectory (e.g., home-schooling children during the COVID-19 pandemic, other caregiving responsibilities, etc.) please get in touch with USASP directly about your circumstance (admin@usasp.org). The determination of your eligibility will be at the discretion of the Rita Allen Foundation and the Award in Pain Selection Committee. Research Topics Proposed research projects should be directed toward investigating the molecular biology of pain and/or basic science topics related to developing new analgesics for managing pain. The entire award is made available to projects specifically chosen by the recipient; university overhead is not supported. Key Dates and Deadlines Applications will be open from October 16 - December 11, 2024 . Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on December 11, 2024. Grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2025. Grant funds will be awarded upon satisfactory execution of a grant agreement between the Rita Allen Foundation and the grant recipient’s institution. DETAILED APPLICATION PROCESS PREVIOUS WINNERS Since 2009, the Rita Allen Foundation has provided a special award for early-career leaders in basic pain research whose work holds high potential for uncovering new pathways to improve the treatment of chronic pain. The Foundation has awarded annually two grants or more in the amount of $150,000 over three years to early-career investigators pursuing innovative research that focuses on basic science mechanisms of pain. Eligible candidates will have completed their training and provided persuasive evidence of distinguished achievement or extraordinary promise in basic research in pain. Candidates should be in the early stages of their career with an appointment at the faculty level. Detailed Application Process USASP Login/Sign-Up If you are already a USASP member, you may log into the site using your USASP member credentials. If you are not a USASP member, please follow the new user prompt to gain prospective membership status to log into the site. Applicant/PI Profile Information If you are already a member of USASP, the majority of this section is populated from the USASP database. If there are fields that contain incorrect or missing information, the applicant should complete/update the requested information. All non-members will have to fill out each question accordingly (completing this section will save your credentials for the possibility of purchasing full membership access later). Please note that items marked with a red asterisk are required fields. Application Submission Details Please select the "Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award In Pain Grant Application" option. Then proceed to name your submission title following the example given: "John Doe - RAF 2025". Next, you will be prompted to write down the title of your intended research project. Finally, you will be asked to answer questions regarding your eligibility for the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain. Please note that items marked with a red asterisk are required fields. Lead Institution The applicant should complete the requested information regarding their primary/lead institution. These details will involve the lead institution's name, address, phone number, and fax number. Please note that items marked with a red asterisk are required fields. Organization Assurances The applicant should complete the requested information regarding their proposed research project. These details will involve the type of research your project involves and/or approval status. Please note that items marked with a red asterisk are required fields. Letters of Support Completed applications will require three letters of support. These must include one letter from the candidate’s Department Chair/Division Chief that demonstrates strong support for the candidate’s proposed research and career development. The other two letters should come from the candidate’s Ph.D./fellowship advisor, influential advisor, or mentor who has impacted the candidate’s research. In this section, the applicant will provide contact information pertaining to each of the letter providers. Upon submission, these two individuals listed to provide letters of support will be contacted directly by a representative of USASP requesting that their letters be sent by December 13. Attachments The Applicant will upload all required documents as a single PDF in the following order: 1) Signed Signature pages, 2) Abstract, 3) Leadership/vision statement, 4) NIH Biosketch, 5) Research proposal narrative, 6) Letter of support from the Department Chair/Division Chief, 7) Summary of Current and Pending Funding Signed Signature Pages All applications must be signed by the Applicant/PI and the Institutional Official responsible for submitting applications for extramural support. The signature page may either be printed out, signed and scanned, or electronic signatures may be used on the PDF. Abstract The abstract should be limited to 300 words or up to 3,000 characters. Applicants are advised to check spelling, word, and character count before pasting their abstract within this section. Leadership in Pain Research The applicant will provide a personal statement detailing his/her vision for a career in pain research and provide information and/or examples of leadership in pain-related activities. The statement should be limited to 300 words or up to 3,000 characters. NIH Biosketch The applicant will provide an NIH Biosketch that should be no more than 5 pages long (see template ) Research Proposal Narrative The applicant will append a research proposal narrative that is limited to six pages in 11-point Arial font and 0.5-inch margins. A 7th page may be included for references. Letter of Support from a Department Chair/Division Chief Completed applications will require one letter from the candidate’s Department Chair/Division Chief demonstrating strong support for the candidate’s proposed research and career development. Research Support The applicant will provide information about all current and pending research support. The research plan should include something other than a project already funded or for consideration for funding elsewhere. If the applicant has received or has pending research support, the applicant should explain how the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain will enhance the applicant’s pain research and how the project submitted for the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain differs from other funded or pending projects. Summary It is necessary for applicants to review their completed application in this section. The summary function is a way to ensure that all of the required application fields are completed and accurate. Please review all questions and inputs before submitting. Submit The Applicant/PI can submit their completed application in this section. Applications with missing sections, that do not meet eligibility requirements, or do not adhere to the application instructions, including required formats (font size and page lengths) and use of signature pages, are considered ineligible. Review Criteria Reviewers will assess the candidate’s past contributions and their future potential as a leader in the field of pain research, based on the research proposal, biosketch, letters of support, and impact statement. Other Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee that includes past Scholars Award in Pain recipients and other leading pain researchers. At this time, the Selection Committee is, unfortunately, unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications. For information about additional programs for early-career researchers from the Rita Allen Foundation, please see the Scholars page of the Rita Allen Foundation’s website. For questions about eligibility or other program-related information, please get in touch with the Rita Allen Foundation at apply@ritaallen.org . Assistance with Applications For technical support (including questions about trouble logging in and technical issues in completing an application) or questions regarding eligibility, please contact admin@usasp.org (the office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. ET-5:00 p.m. ET ). Emails received after hours and on weekends will be responded to on the next business day. For questions about other program-related questions: Please contact the Rita Allen Foundation at apply@ritaallen.org . 2024 Kara Marshall Baylor College of Medicine Silent no more: Identifying mechanisms of internal mechanical pain Katelyn Sandler Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas Effects of antibiotics on nociceptive and analgesic circuits in the gut 2023 Victoria Abraira Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Context is key: how spinal cord neuromodulators scale the pain experience Seungwon (Sebastian) Choi University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Spinal output neurons: Novel therapeutic substrates for treating neuropathic pain In conjunction with Margaret and William R. Hearst III Emerson Krock McGill University Painful fibromyalgia autoantibodies through molecular mimicry with gut microbiota William Renthal Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School Targeted gene delivery to trigeminal nociceptors In conjunction with Margaret and William R. Hearst III 2022 Gregory Corder University of Pennsylvania Calibrating Nociceptive Dynamics in Midbrain Opioidergic Circuits Gwendolyn Hoben Medical College of Wisconsin Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Effects on Pain and Spontaneous Afferent Activity Aaron Mickle University of Florida Urothelial Cell to Sensory Neuron Signaling in Bladder Pain Nicole Scheff University of Pittsburgh CGRP: the link between cancer pain and progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma 2020 Ishmail Abdus-Saboor University of Pennsylvania Discovering Behavioral Signatures of Pain at Millisecond Timescales In conjunction with the Open Philanthropy Project Geoffroy Laumet Michigan State University Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Remission and Relapse of Pain Sarah Linnstaedt University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill FKBP51 Inhibition to Prevent Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Stress In conjunction with the Open Philanthropy Project Andrew J. Shepherd The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center Neuro-immune Interactions in Pain Associated with Cancer and Chemotherapy 2019 Michael Burton University of Texas at Dallas Novel Models to Assess Sufficiency of Single Cell Paradigms in CB1R-Analgesia Meaghan Creed Washington University in St. Louis Synaptic Adaptations Underlying Affective Symptoms of Chronic Pain Peter Grace University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Antibody Receptor Signaling via Astrocytes: A New Pathway for Neuropathic Pain In conjunction with the Open Philanthropy Project Jordan McCall Washington University in St. Louis Using Persistent Homology to Model and Predict Spontaneous Pain Behavior In conjunction with the Open Philanthropy Project Vivianne Tawfik Stanford University Engaging Pro-resolution Microglia to Block the Transition to Chronic Pain In conjunction with the Open Philanthropy Project Previous Winners 2018 Helen C. Lai UT Southwestern Medical Center Understanding the Molecular and Developmental Basis of Painlessness Candice E. Paulsen Yale University Uncovering the Regulation of TRPA1 by Irritants, Cofactors, and Proteins 2017 Arkady Khoutorsky McGill University Extracellular Matrix-Mediated Spinal Cord Plasticity in Neuropathic Pain Kyle Baumbauer University of Kansas Medical Center Targeting ASIC3 for Disruption of Nociceptor Sensitization following Spinal Cord Injury 2016 Steve Davidson University of Cincinnati Thalamo-limbic Circuit Control of Pain Katherine Hanlon Presbyterian College DRG Macrophages: Function and Impact on Nociception 2015 Robert Sorge The University of Alabama at Birmingham Immune System Modulation of Pain via Diet Yi Ye New York University The Role of Schwann Cells in Neural Invasion and Associated Cancer Pain 2014 Gregory Scherrer Stanford University Molecular Mechanisms of Opioid-Induced Analgesia, Tolerance and Hyperalgesia Tuan Trang University of Calgary The Spinal Determinants of Arthritis Pain: Role of Microglia and P2X7 Receptors 2013 Rebecca Seal University of Pittsburgh Mechanical Pain Circuits in the Dorsal Horn: A Role of VGLUT3 Reza Sharif Naeini McGill University Role of Parvalbumin Neurons in the Dorsal Horn Pain Circuits 2012 Sarah Ross University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Investigating the Neural Circuits of Itch and Pain Michael Jankowski Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Molecular Mechanisms of Muscoloskeletal Pain after Ischemic Tissue Injury 2011 Edgar Romero-Sandoval Wake Forest School of Medicine Spinal Cord Mechanisms in the Resolution of Postoperative Pain Yuan-Xiang Tao Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Discovery of a Large Native Non-Coding RNA and Its Involvement in Neuropathic Pain 2010 Diana Bautista University of California, Berkeley Molecular Mechanisms of Somatosensory Mechanotransduction Seena Ajit Drexel University College of Medicine MicroRNA Regulation and Its Utility as Biomarkers in Neuropathic Pain 2009 Theodore J. Price University of Texas at Dallas Translations Regulation as a Novel Paradigm for Understanding Nociceptor Sensitization and Developing Analgesic Targets Steven A. Prescott University of Toronto Pain Processing by Neural Networks: A Critical Link between the Molecular and Perceptual Changes Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

Clinical Trials for Pain Research Chair: Giovanni Berardi, University of Iowa Co-Chair: Trevor Lentz, Duke University To promote scientific advances in pain clinical trials through high quality research design and development of professional competence to reduce the burden of pain. We communicate innovative pain research methodologies, standardize pain assessment with NIH HEAL, develop a diverse research community, identify training resources, foster collaboration in clinical trial design, support trainees and early career investigators, promote established datasets, and encourage multidisciplinary teams. Vision Communicate innovative methodologies/ designs/ interventions/ outcomes in pain research Work with NIH HEAL Common Data Elements group and national groups to standardize the assessment of pain across studies. Develop a community of diverse researchers from all backgrounds and all career stages with a common interest in clinical trials for pain research. Identify resources focused towards investigator training to conduct efficient, effective, and safe clinical trials Foster collaboration and innovation among researchers and clinicians involved in clinical trial design Opportunities for trainees and early career investigators Mentor/ mentee activities Promote the use of established pain clinical trial datasets Promote multidisciplinary investigation teams Upcoming Events and Resources You're all caught up! No new updates to display. Login to SIG Portal Annual Conference 2025 Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers Secure your Stay Submit Symposia and Abstracts Awards and Grants Pre-Conference Workshops Registration Rates Program at a Glance Education Calendar of Events Leadership Academy 'OUCH' Pain Podcast Newsletter Archive Previous Events About USASP About Us Our History See All Awards Here Committees and Taskforces Special Interest Groups 2025 Board of Directors Election Membership Member Login Become a Member Donate to USASP JOIN We are looking forward to connecting with you! Subscribe and Stay in the Know. Wed, Jan 15 Application Deadline: North American Pain School / northamericanpainschool.com/registration RSVP northamericanpainschool.com/registration Share Sat, Jan 18 Keystone Symposia: Neural Influence on Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology / Banff RSVP Banff, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada Share Mon, Feb 03 MAYDAY Application Portal Opens / Location is TBD RSVP Location is TBD Share Wed, Feb 26 Deadline to Apply: 2025 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship / Location is TBD Location is TBD Share Tue, Mar 18 MAYDAY Deadline for Completed Applications / No Location No Location Share Load More Upcoming Event Calendar

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