Sharing the knowledge that has been gained in pain research – spanning the spectrum of investigations from molecules to the patients – with researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and patients worldwide is not a simple task. Bridging the gap between pre-clinical studies, human research, clinical trials, and clinical practice is equally challenging. With the 2022 Global Year for Translating Pain Knowledge to Practice, we will identify and communicate these challenges, with the aim to find solutions for them, and for a better communication between researchers, healthcare professionals, stakeholders and patients.

Our group of task force volunteers includes preclinical and clinical researchers, pain clinicians and patient advocates. This taskforce provides an opportunity to identify and address the challenges faced between the connections of the different levels of pain research and practice, from the laboratory to the guidelines and to their implementation. Ultimately, we aim to provide useful, and actionable information, when possible, to our stakeholder, patients, clinicians and basic researchers, about challenges and opportunities in translating our pain knowledge into practice.

Throughout 2022, IASP will be offering a variety of materials dedicated to the Global Year theme. These materials are intended for a wide audience ranging from researchers and clinicians to those living with pain and the public. We have an exciting lineup of fact sheets, webinars, infographics and other materials that will be free to access and share as part of our mission to educate a global audience and work toward pain relief. Articles in PAIN and PAIN Reports related to the Global Year theme will be designated as such and will also be available for all to access.  

We hope that you will take part in the 2022 Global Year for Translating Pain Knowledge to Practice. Be part of the conversation on social media with #globalyear2022, host a webinar or podcast related to the theme, share the Global Year fact sheets, attend a webinar or partner with IASP on a webinar related to your area of interest. 

Together, we can provide the latest research, clinical practices, and self-management techniques to work toward a world with less pain. Visit the IASP website for more information on the Global Year for Translating Pain Knowledge to Practice. 

Claudia Sommer, MD