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The following IASP Special Interest Groups (SIGs) will present poster awards and travel grants for outstanding poster presentations at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. These awards and grants recognize innovative research, emerging talent, and scientific excellence in specific areas of pain science and practice.
Abdominal and Pelvic Pain SIG Poster Awards
The Abdominal and Pelvic Pain SIG Poster Awards honor exceptional research that advances understanding of abdominal and pelvic pain. These awards highlight innovative science, impactful clinical work, and contributions that deepen our knowledge of pain mechanisms and treatment approaches.
A total of three poster awards will be presented in 2026 at the IASP World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, including recognition for the Best Scientific Poster. All accepted posters relevant to abdominal and pelvic pain will be considered for recognition. Authors must be present to deliver a brief poster pitch during the evaluation process.
Evaluation Criteria:
Originality and innovation in abdominal or pelvic pain research
Quality of content and presentation
Clarity and quality of responses to questions from the judging panel
Eligibility Requirements:
The first author must be present and deliver a brief pitch of the poster.
The first author should be an early-career researcher (within five years after trainee status).
The applicant must be a current member of IASP and the Abdominal and Pelvic Pain SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Abdominal and Pelvic Pain SIG Travel Grants
The Abdominal and Pelvic Pain SIG Travel Grants provide financial assistance to early-career members presenting abstracts at the 2026 IASP World Congress on Pain in Bangkok. These grants are intended to support professional development and ensure broad participation in the global pain research community.
A total of two travel grants will be awarded for the 2026 World Congress on Pain. Recipients will be selected based on the quality of their submitted poster abstracts, the clarity of their presentations, and their responses to questions from the judging panel.
Eligibility Requirements:
The applicant must be a current member of IASP and the Abdominal and Pelvic Pain SIG.
The applicant must be an early-career researcher.
Applicants must submit a poster abstract for review in advance of the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Grant recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Acute Pain SIG Poster Awards
The Acute Pain SIG Poster Awards provide a valuable platform for emerging researchers to present their work and showcase innovative approaches to understanding, managing, and preventing acute pain. These awards aim to recognize scientific excellence and support the next generation of pain researchers, particularly in studies focused on the transition from acute to chronic pain.
A total of two awards will be presented in 2026 at the IASP World Congress on Pain in Bangkok. Winners will receive a one-year membership in the Acute Pain SIG and a branded certificate.
Posters must be original work, align with the remit of the Acute Pain SIG, and be presented by an early-career researcher at the Congress. Candidates must indicate their interest in being considered for the award at the time of poster submission.
Evaluation Criteria:
Quality of study design and methodology
Quality of visual presentation
Originality and uniqueness
Importance of the study to the field of pain
Novelty of findings or approach
Eligibility Requirements:
The applicant must be the first author and presenter of the poster.
The applicant must be a current PhD student or have completed their dissertation within the past seven years.
The applicant must be a current member of IASP and the Acute Pain SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome SIG Poster Award
The CRPS SIG Poster Award recognizes outstanding research that advances the understanding or management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This award highlights innovative science with the potential to improve outcomes for people living with CRPS.
A total of one award will be presented at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. The winning poster will receive a $200 USD honorarium. The top three finalists will be invited to present their posters, and the winner will be announced during the CRPS SIG Business Meeting at the World Congress.
Evaluation Criteria:
Clarity
Originality
Scientific or clinical merit
Methodology
Analysis
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant must be a student or within six years of completing their terminal degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent).
Applicant must have a poster abstract accepted for presentation at the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Applicant must be a current member of IASP and the CRPS SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Additional Application Requirement:
Applicants should email a digital copy of their poster and confirmation of poster acceptance to Peter Drummond by 25 September 2026.
Genetics and Pain SIG Poster Awards
The Genetics and Pain SIG will sponsor two poster awards at the 2026 IASP World Congress on Pain. These awards recognize excellence in pain genetics research, highlighting groundbreaking work across both fundamental science and translational application. Winners will be invited to present their work during the Genetics and Pain SIG Business Meeting at the World Congress.
Basic Science Poster Award
To recognize an outstanding poster presentation that advances understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying pain.
Evaluation Criteria:
Scientific merit and rigor of the study design
Novelty and originality of the genetic or molecular approach
Clarity of results and interpretation
Potential to advance mechanistic insight into the genetic basis of pain
Eligibility Requirements:
The applicants must be an early-career or young investigator (current student, postdoctoral fellow, or resident within seven years of their terminal degree).
The applicants must be the first and presenting author.
The poster must be accepted for presentation and be relevant to the mission of the Genetics and Pain SIG.
The applicants must be current members of IASP and the Genetics and Pain SIG.
Award recipients must be available to present during the designated session.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Clinical/Translational Poster Award
To recognize an outstanding poster presentation that bridges genetics research and clinical practice by addressing genetic contributions to pain conditions or translating genetic discoveries into improved patient care.
Evaluation Criteria:
Clinical relevance to pain management or patient outcomes
Innovation in applying genetic or genomic tools to clinical or translational research
Rigor of study design and analysis
Potential impact on personalized medicine or translational application in pain
Eligibility Requirements:
Same as for the Basic Science Poster Award.
Application Instructions:
Same as the Basic Science Poster Award.
Musculoskeletal Pain SIG Poster Awards
The Musculoskeletal Pain SIG Poster Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding research advancing our understanding of musculoskeletal pain. These awards highlight innovative science, impactful methodology, and research with significant implications for clinical practice and patient outcomes.
A total of three awards will be presented in 2026 at the IASP World Congress on Pain in Bangkok:
1st Prize: $300 USD honorarium
2nd Prize: $150 USD honorarium
3rd Prize: $100 USD honorarium
Eligible posters must be relevant to musculoskeletal pain and will be reviewed anonymously by the Musculoskeletal Pain SIG Scientific Committee.
Eligibility Requirements:
Poster must be relevant to musculoskeletal pain.
The presenting author must be a trainee or early-career researcher (within eight years of completing a PhD or MD).
Applicants must be willing to present their research as an oral presentation at the Musculoskeletal Pain SIG Pre-Conference Symposium.
Applicants must be current members of IASP and the Musculoskeletal Pain SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Neuroimaging of Pain and Non-Human Pain SIG Emerging Leader Awards
The Neuroimaging of Pain and Non-Human Pain SIG Emerging Leader Awards recognize innovative research that bridges findings from animal models to non-invasive human neuroimaging, offers unique insights into the neurobiology of pain, and highlights clinical implications for pain management.
A total of two $500 awards will be presented, one from the Neuroimaging SIG and one from the Non-Human Pain SIG.
Eligibility Requirements:
The presenter must be a trainee within five years of receiving their terminal degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent).
Award recipients must register for and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Applicants must be a member of IASP and either a member of the Neuroimaging SIG or the Non-Human Pain SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Orofacial and Head Pain SIG Poster Awards
The Orofacial and Head Pain SIG will present two poster prizes for the best work in Basic Science and Clinical Science / Public Health and Population Health. Each winner will receive a $750 USD prize.
Evaluation Criteria:
Relevance to the field of orofacial and head pain
Scientific quality and rigor
Novelty and originality of the work
Clarity of presentation and organization
Impact
Eligibility Requirements:
The first author must be a trainee (undergraduate or graduate student, resident, or postdoctoral fellow) actively engaged in research.
The applicant must be a current trainee member of IASP.
Applicant must be a member of the Orofacial and Head Pain SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Additional Application Requirement:
Email your poster abstract and a letter of support from your supervisor confirming trainee status and project role to Iacopo Cioffi.
Pain in Childhood SIG Poster Awards
The Pain in Childhood SIG will present three poster awards recognizing exceptional contributions to pediatric pain research. These awards celebrate innovative science that improves the understanding, prevention, and treatment of pain in children, while supporting the work of emerging investigators in the field.
Winners will be announced following poster presentations and discussions with the judging panel. Each award includes a cash prize and two years of Pain in Childhood SIG membership.
Evaluation Criteria:
Quality of study (1 = poor to 5 = excellent)
Quality of visual presentation (1 = poor to 5 = excellent)
Uniqueness (1 = poor to 5 = excellent)
Importance of the study in the field of pain (1 = poor to 5 = excellent)
Novelty (1 = poor to 5 = excellent)
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant must be a current member of IASP and the Pain in Childhood SIG.
Applicant must be a trainee (BScN, MScN, PhD, clinical doctorate program) or early-career researcher/clinician within five years of completing their PhD dissertation.
Poster must be submitted and presented as a primary author on a topic related to pediatric pain.
Applicants must indicate interest in the prize at the time of submission.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Pain in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities SIG Travel Bursary Awards
The PIDDSIG Travel Bursary Awards provide financial assistance for students and early-career researchers presenting their work on pain in intellectual and developmental disabilities at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. These bursaries aim to increase representation and foster global collaboration in this important area of pain research.
A total of two travel bursaries of $750 USD each will be awarded, based on the quality of the submitted abstracts and the applicant’s potential for contribution to the field.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant must be a student or early-career researcher within five years of earning their PhD.
Research must focus on pain in intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Applicants must submit their current CV.
Applicants must submit a brief cover letter (maximum 500 words) explaining how the bursary would support their career objectives.
Applicant must provide a statement outlining any additional financial support available for attending the Congress.
Applicant must be a current member of IASP and PIDDSIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Pain in Older Persons SIG Poster Awards
The Pain in Older Persons SIG Poster Awards recognize outstanding research focused on the unique challenges of pain assessment, treatment, and management in older adults. These awards support early-career researchers advancing knowledge in this vital and often underrepresented field.
A total of two awards will be presented at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. Each winner will receive $400 USD to support travel to the World Congress and two years of free SIG membership. Awards will be recognized in two areas: (i) outstanding basic/experimental research and (ii) outstanding clinical/applied research.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must submit a poster abstract to the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Selected applicants must receive confirmation from the Scientific Program Committee that the poster has been accepted to receive the award.
Applicants must present the poster in person at the World Congress.
Applicant must be a junior researcher (Master’s student, PhD student, postdoc, or junior faculty with no more than five years in a faculty position).
Applicants must be current members of IASP and the Pain in Older Persons SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Pain and Placebo SIG Poster Awards
The Pain and Placebo SIG Poster Awards recognize outstanding poster presentations focused on advancing our understanding of placebo and nocebo mechanisms in pain. These awards aim to highlight innovative approaches, methodological excellence, and research with significant implications for clinical practice.
A total of three awards will be presented at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. Winners will receive a $550 USD monetary award to support conference attendance. Recipients will also be invited to briefly present their work at the Pain and Placebo SIG Business Meeting during the World Congress.
Evaluation Criteria:
Scientific quality and rigor
Originality and innovation
Clarity and visual presentation of data
Relevance to placebo and nocebo research
Relevance to expectation mechanisms and translational research applications
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant must be a trainee (graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or clinical trainee) at the time of abstract submission.
Applicant must be a current member of IASP and the Pain and Placebo SIG.
Work must be submitted as a poster to the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
The applicant must be the first author and poster presenter.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Pain, Mind, and Movement SIG Poster Awards
The Pain, Mind, and Movement SIG Poster Awards recognize innovative research at the intersection of pain science, behavioral change, and movement-based interventions. These awards celebrate research that bridges mechanistic insights with real-world applications in patient care.
A total of two poster awards will be presented at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. Winners will receive a certificate and have their work considered for an in-person flash talk presentation at the SIG symposium “Integrating Pain Phenotypes, Pain Science Education and Behavioral Change: Toward Personalized Pain Approaches” on Monday, 26 October 2026. Additionally, two $1,000 USD scholarships will be awarded to SIG members whose work is accepted for the satellite meeting and who have no other funding to attend.
Eligibility Requirements:
Abstract must be written in English.
Applicant must be a member of IASP and the Pain, Mind, and Movement SIG.
Each author may submit a maximum of two abstracts.
The applicant must be the first author (or co-first author).
Abstracts must not have been published or presented at a previous World Congress on Pain.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Pain Registries SIG Poster Award
The Pain Registries SIG Poster Award recognizes innovative use of registry data to advance pain research, improve clinical care, and inform evidence-based decision-making. This award celebrates researchers who leverage large-scale datasets to generate impactful insights into pain mechanisms, treatment outcomes, and patient experiences.
A total of one award will be presented at the 2026 World Congress on Pain. Submissions must feature original work that uses registry data as a core component of the research.
Eligibility Requirements:
Research must utilize registry data as one primary source of data.
Linkage and/or use of other datasets (including qualitative data) to inform findings is encouraged.
Applicant must be a member of IASP and the Pain Registries SIG.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
Social Aspects of Pain SIG Poster Awards
The Social Aspects of Pain SIG Poster Awards recognize impactful research exploring the social, cultural, and contextual factors that shape pain experiences, management, and outcomes. These awards highlight innovative studies that advance understanding of how social determinants influence pain and support inclusive, person-centered approaches to care.
A total of three awards for complementary registration to attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain will be awarded to:
The first author of an abstract who is an early-career researcher (within 10 years of their final degree)
The first author of an abstract who is a mid-career or senior researcher
The first author of an abstract who is from a low- or middle-income country
Evaluation Criteria:
Clarity and quality of presentation
Originality and innovation
Scientific or scholarly merit
Relevance to the social dimensions of pain
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant must be a current member of IASP and the Social Aspects of Pain SIG.
Submissions from researchers outside the SIG will also be considered if relevant.
Award recipients must register and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain.
Application Instructions:
Ensure your membership is active and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Select the SIG award you wish to apply for when submitting your poster abstract.
IASP will validate eligibility criteria and share valid submissions with the SIG.
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