Submission Overview

Topical Workshops are 90-minute sessions that provide attendees with an overview of a wide range of topics in pain, offering practical reviews of current research and therapies, and allowing attendees to participate in formal and informal discussions with international experts in pain management and pain research.

• Workshop proposals may only be submitted online through the submission site. Proposals submitted by mail or fax will not be accepted.

• Workshop proposals must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on 15 October 2025. Workshop proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

• All presenters will be required to register for and attend the 2026 World Congress on Pain. Speaker discounts are not available for the 2026 World Congress on Pain.

• Submission of a workshop proposal acknowledges your acceptance of the workshop proposal to be listed in official meeting publications.

• No changes will be made to the submitted and accepted workshop proposal.

Conflicts of Interest / Disclosure: Workshop proposal submitters will be requested to confirm that they will declare any conflict of interest in the presentation at the 2026 World Congress on Pain.

Speaker Guidelines

Speakers are allowed to present in one workshop. However, speakers can be named on up to two workshop proposals. It is the responsibility of the individual submitting the workshop proposal to ensure that the speakers are not named on more than two workshop submissions.

In situations where a speaker is named on more than two workshop submissions, the additional workshop submissions will be deleted without review.

Workshop speakers cannot be from the same academic institution.

Diversity and inclusion are organizational priorities of IASP, and programming must ensure representation of all members. IASP encourages and promotes participation, accessibility, active representation, and leadership from diverse populations, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, disability, age, and religion. Beyond promoting diversity, the association promotes an environment that is supportive of all diverse groups in the interest of advancing science.

We strongly encourage workshop panels to demonstrate the above priorities, including age/career stage. These factors will be considered at the final selection panel.

In the submission form, you will be asked to select the topic that is most appropriate for your workshop, where the four topic options are:

1. Basic Science

2. Experimental (Non-Clinical) Human Studies

3. Clinical Pain

4. Other

We recognize, based on the workshop, that there may be overlap in the topics presented. Please choose the topic that represents the most of your workshop material.

Please note that lived experience is welcome across all topics, and we will ensure that IASP-member-informed proportional representation is maintained for each topic in the program.

The IASP 2026 Global Year theme is Neuropathic Pain. While acceptance is not guaranteed, IASP encourages submissions on this topic.

Topical Workshop Descriptions

Traditional/Panel Workshops
Traditional/Panel Workshops are the customary 90-minute sessions that feature a panel of three speakers (including the Chair) delivering in-depth, state-of-the-art lectures on a linked theme of topics, including cutting-edge research, clinical treatments, and the translation of research into practice. Each speaker has 20 minutes for their presentation, with 5 minutes of questions after each session. There is also dedicated time at the end of the session for additional discussion with the audience to explore common themes from the lectures, address challenges, and discuss solutions offered. You may include a fourth speaker if justified.

Debate Workshops
Debate Workshops are 90-minute sessions presented by two speakers and one moderator. The moderator states the motion and gives a brief 5-minute overview. The proposer for the motion states their case (25 minutes). The opponent then presents their case (25 minutes). After presenting arguments, the proposer and opponent each receive 5 minutes to respond to each other's arguments. Approximately 20-25 minutes are reserved at the end of the session for audience participation in the discussion. Meeting technology can be used to take audience polls and name a debate winner.

Demonstration Workshops
Demonstration Workshops are 90-minute sessions in which techniques, tools, devices, or approaches are presented through demonstrations. The session can include a maximum of four presenters, one of whom serves as the moderator. Presentations are in-depth demonstration lectures on the subject that explain real-world applications. Sessions should allow time for audience engagement, questions, and participation.

Interview and Conversation Workshops
Interview and Conversation Workshops are informal discussions between a moderator and one or more speakers (no more than four). An interview format is used. Format presentations are not given. The moderator prepares questions for the speaker(s) to start and then guides the conversation on the topic. Speakers share their experiences, understanding of, and lessons learned about the topic, incorporating personal anecdotes, insights, and real-world applications. Audience engagement is encouraged, and questions are fielded by the session moderator. Meeting technology can be used to crowdsource questions and administer audience polls.

Other Formats
The Scientific Program Committee welcomes your suggestions for new and innovative workshop structures that are not currently offered through the established options. Please describe your proposed workshop, format, and topic to be addressed. You may include up to 3 of the 4 speakers, one of whom should be the session chair.