| Formation: | 1973 |
| Type: | Nongovernmental organization |
| Purpose: | Scientific research and clinical translation |
| Headquarters: | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Coords: | 38.9°N -77.0343°W |
| Language: | English |
| Leader Title: | President |
| Leader Name: | Claudia Sommer |
| International Association for the Study of Pain | |
| Abbreviation: | IASP |
| Region Served: | Worldwide |
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is an international learned society promoting research, education, and policies for the understanding, prevention, and treatment of pain.[1] IASP was founded in 1973 under the leadership of John J. Bonica.[2] Its secretariat, formerly based in Seattle, Washington, is now located in Washington, D.C. It publishes the scientific journal PAIN, PAIN Reports and PAIN: Clinical Updates.[3] [4] [5] IASP currently has more than 7,200 members from 133 countries and in 94 chapters worldwide.[6] IASP supports 20 Special Interest Groups (SIGs)[7] which members may join to network and collaborate with others in their specific field of research or practice.
In 2004, supported by various IASP chapters and federations holding their own local events and activities worldwide, IASP initiated its first "Global Year Against Pain" with the motto "The Relief of Pain Should be a Human Right".[8] [9] Every year, the focus is on another aspect of pain.
| 2004–2005 | Right to Pain Relief | |
| 2005–2006 | Pain in Children | |
| 2006–2007 | Pain in Older Persons | |
| 2007–2008 | Pain in Women | |
| 2008–2009 | Cancer Pain | |
| 2009–2010 | Musculoskeletal Pain | |
| 2010–2011 | Acute Pain | |
| 2011–2012 | Headache | |
| 2012–2013 | Visceral Pain | |
| 2013–2014 | Orofacial Pain | |
| 2014–2015 | Neuropathic Pain | |
| 2016 | Global Year Against Pain in the Joints | |
| 2017 | Global Year Against Pain After Surgery | |
| 2018 | Global Year for Excellence in Pain Education | |
| 2019 | Global Year Against Pain in the Most Vulnerable | |
| 2020 | Global Year to the Prevention of Pain | |
| 2021 | Global Year Against Back Pain | |
| 2022 | Global Year for Translating Knowledge into Practice |
The World Congress on Pain is the largest global gathering of pain professionals. This event brings together more than 7,000 scientists, clinicians, and healthcare providers from around the world and across pain disciplines..[10] The program comprises plenary sessions, workshops, poster sessions, and refresher courses, and attendees may receive continuing medical education credits.