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 Dear EFIC Colleagues and Friends,
I hope that the summer break allowed most of you to relax, change your daily routines and bolster your energy to head back to work with enthusiasm and a multitude of ideas. It’s been a busy summer at EFIC, with developments in virtually all our areas of education, research and advocacy, of which I offer a brief summary in this letter.
I already gave you some news about the success of our EFIC congress in June, which exceeded all expectations with over 2,200 participants and a set of novelties enhancing its attractiveness, setting the stage for our next biennial EFIC XV, in Glasgow 2027. A number of sessions from the Lyon meeting were video-recorded, and are now available to EFIC Academy members on the EFIC Education Platform. Not a member yet? Hurry up and go to https://academy.europeanpainfederation.eu/.
The ‘book of abstracts’ of the Congress, already freely available on the EFIC website, will be also published next month as an online supplement to the European Journal of Pain. This means that your abstract to the Lyon Congress will be citable by other work, as it will have a permanent DOI (Digital Object Identifier). This not only prevents it from disappearing from memory, which is the usual fate of conference abstracts, but also helps to ‘position’ your work it in the literature while the article for which the abstract was seminal is being completed.
EFIC Educational activities have pursued during the last months: two new webinars were held and are now online: “New Insights on Migraine and Headache Research”, and “Preventing Pain in Sedentary Workplaces”, respectively co-organised with the European Headache Federation and the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy. With these, we are increasing our webinar series co-hosted by allied scientific organisations. Our communication manager Melinda Borzsak-Schramm put all of them together for you in a playlist on our YouTube channel, which is publicly available and contains sessions on musculoskeletal conditions, headache, cancer pain and the relations of pain syndromes with mental health disorders. New joint webinars will be released soon – the next one, together with the European Psychiatric Association EPA, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025 in October. You can register here.
The EFIC European Diplomas are key elements of our educational activities. August was a busy month for the teaching staff and examiners of the European Diplomas in Pain Medicine (EDPM), Pain Physiotherapy (EDPP), and Pain Nursing (EDPN), who devoted time and energy to prepare for part 2 of the exams which took place in Ghent and Salzburg in September 2025. A big thanks to all exam directors Daniele Battelli, Harriet Wittink and Nadja Nestler! Please note that the upcoming part 1 EDPM and EDPP exams are happening in November, the registration deadline being 14 October 2025. The EFIC Academy, Virtual Summit sessions and Pain Schools are there to help candidates to improve their skills and pass the exams, including with Clinical Case videos illustrating interactive, expert-led case studies covering a wide range of chronic pain conditions.
Research activities do not stand still during the summer, and EFIC is issuing an open call for clinical guidance proposals on pain management. While there is a clear need for evidence-based guidance to support colleagues in the effective management of pain, clinical documents are being published across Europe with variable quality and relevance, in some cases far from current best practices. To be useful, new guidelines must (i) add real value to daily clinical practice; (ii) uphold high scientific standards; (iii) be developed through multidisciplinary consensus, and (iv) remain applicable across diverse healthcare systems. With its strong network of national chapters, scientific experts and partnerships, EFIC is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, and is launching a call for proposals on relevant topics where there is a need of up-to-date, authoritative European guidelines. To help potential proponents, we launched in July a “EFIC guidance for guidelines“, which outlines the criteria that must be met for the European Pain Federation to co-sign a Practice Recommendation. In case of approval, EFIC will offer administrative and methodological assistance, visibility and promotion through EFIC’s communication channels, and support for publication (European Journal of Pain), including funding the open access fees. Note that the deadline for proposals is Sunday, 1 February 2026.
It is difficult to summarise the ensemble of activities conducted by the Advocacy / Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) groups, such is their importance and diversity. On the 16 October 2025, SIP is organizing a major event at the European Parliament: The session entitled “From Burden to Prevention: Reframing Chronic Pain in EU Health Policy” will assemble policymakers, researchers, clinicians and patient advocates to explore how the EU can scale up preventive action on chronic pain. Besides discussions and discourses, we are asking precisely whether EU will implement campaigns to improve pain prevention; whether it will promote education programmes to reduce the risk of chronic pain in the workplace; whether it will adopt evidence-based standards for early interventions and ensure early access to biopsychosocial rehabilitation, and in general whether there is a real willingness in the EU policymakers to fund prevention-focused actions.
In this context, the SIP Policy Framework for the Delivery of Pain Care has now been updated with a prevention section, and a Preventive Healthcare Position Paper open to the public was launched in July. Dissemination of EFIC and SIP ideas to the public is greatly supported by the national Chapters, and during the summer the Spanish and Danish translations of SIP infographics were made available.
Once again, a big thanks to all of you for helping us build bridges between training, research, clinical activity and public awareness, and for keeping EFIC a stimulating and useful adventure. Now back to work!
With very best wishes
Luis Garcia-Larrea
President, European Pain Federation EFIC
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Remembering Professor Andrea Evers
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Andrea Evers, on 4 August 2025. The European Pain Federation had the privilege of working closely with Andrea through the PANACEA project, along with her contribution as a plenary speaker at the EFIC Congress 2022. Andrea’s legacy continues through her impactful science and the many lives she touched in pain research and patient care. She will be dearly missed.
Read the full tribute to Prof. Andrea Evers here.
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European Day on Pain Awareness 2025: Preventive Healthcare for Chronic Pain
Since 2024, the European Pain Federation EFIC has marked the ‘European Day on Pain Awareness’ to increase understanding of chronic pain, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Held annually on the third Wednesday of October, it unites healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, patients, and the public in a collaborative campaign.
Find out more here.
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Now Available: The #EFIC2025 Abstract Book
We are pleased to announce that the official #EFIC2025 Abstract Book is now available online. This comprehensive publication includes all presented abstracts for the 14th EFIC Congress which took place from 24-26 April 2025 in Lyon, France.
Find out more here.
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Save the Date: #EFIC2027 Congress
The next EFIC 2027 Congress will be held in Glasgow, Scotland on the 21-23 April 2027 with the theme “Building Bridges in Pain: Thriving Through Communication.” Make sure to sign up for #EFIC2027 updates here.
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Open Call for Clinical Guidance Proposals in Pain Management
EFIC invites its community to propose new topics for clinical guidance in pain management. This initiative aims to deliver evidence-based, multidisciplinary recommendations that add value to daily practice and remain relevant across Europe. Proposals are due by 1 February 2026.
Submit your proposal here.
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Sign up for the EFIC EDPM and EDPP Exams in 2025
The European Pain Federation EFIC is pleased to announce that on Friday, 14 November 2025, it will host virtual sittings of two examinations: Part 1 of both the European Diploma in Pain Medicine (EDPM) and the European Diploma in Pain Physiotherapy (EDPP).
Deadline for registrations: Tuesday 14 October 2025
More info here.
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Watch selected #EFIC2025 Sessions now
Selected recordings from the #EFIC2025 Congress, held in Lyon from 24–26 April 2025, are now available on the EFIC Academy Education Platform.
These sessions feature expert-led presentations covering the latest advancements in pain science, clinical practice, and multidisciplinary care. You can find them here.
Please note: This exclusive content is accessible only to EFIC Academy members, offering a valuable opportunity to revisit key sessions and enhance your knowledge in pain management. To access these recordings and explore all available educational resources, join the #EFICAcademy now!
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Explore the Clinical Cases on the EFIC Academy
This series of interactive, expert-led videos covers a wide range of real-life chronic pain conditions.
Each case presents a complete clinical scenario, from the first consultation through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, helping you apply pain science directly to patient care.
Discover the EFIC Clinical Case videos with this video teaser, and start learning today!
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Have a look at the newest sessions added to #EFICAcademy!
New sessions are uploaded every month, featuring valuable and cutting-edge insights from leading pain management experts.
All #EFICAcademy content reflects EFIC’s holistic vision of improving pain management according to the biopsychosocial model. This is why five different types of modules are featured in the platform: Pain Medicine, Pain Nursing, Pain Physiotherapy, Pain Psychology, and Interprofessional Pain Management.
Become an #EFICAcademy member now here to watch these sessions immediately.
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From Long-Term Costs to Policy Change: A Comprehensive View on Chronic Pain Webinar
Join us as researchers unveil the long-term societal and economic burden of chronic pain. This will be followed by a presentation on the SIP Book of Evidence and SIP Position Paper on Preventive Healthcare for Chronic Pain. The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A.
Find out more here
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Pain and Mental Health: A Double Burden Europe Must Address Webinar
For this year’s World Mental Health Day, EFIC and EPA will come together to launch a call to action for better integration of care, discuss recent research and highlight important resources. Join us on 10 October at 12.30-13.30 CET to explore how this work can influence the future of European healthcare systems.
Find out more here
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Webinar on Trauma Across the Lifespan
This webinar explores how traumatic experiences impact brain functioning and pain-related disability. Drawing on two original research papers, we connect early-life neurobiological alterations with later-life psychological burden in people living with chronic pain.
Find out more here
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The Societal Impa ct of Pain (SIP) Platform continues focusing on several key priorities this year. These include engaging with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the SANT Committee, and other key stakeholders to ensure that access to pain treatment remains a core priority on the EU health agenda. In parallel, SIP is closely monitoring the rollout of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation and tracking policy developments, particularly those relating to NCD prevention and public health strategies. SIP is also pleased to share our updates on promoting the implementation of ICD-11. On 2nd July, SIP sent a letter to the Health Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, to advocate for the implementation of ICD-11, within the EHDS. The letter was co-signed by MEP Tomislav Sokol, whose support we gratefully acknowledge. Stay tuned for more SIP updates! In the meantime, be sure to follow the SIP Newsroom for the latest news and activities.
The S ocietal Impact of Pain (SIP) is also hosting an event at the European Parliament: “From Burden to Prevention: Reframing Chronic Pain in EU Health Policy.” The event will take place on the 16 October 2025 from 11:30 to 13:30 CET. Importantly, this event will provide an in-depth discussion on the prevention of chronic pain and its potential to reshape European health systems. This event will convene policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to explore how the EU can scale up preventive action on one of Europe’s most prevalent and costly health conditions. Additionally, this event will present SIP’s Position Paper on Preventive Healthcare for Chronic Pain, highlight priority areas for EU action, and explore how the current and next EU mandate can embed prevention into health, employment, and research strategies. You can find out more about the SIP event here and register for the event here.
 The Plain Talking Health Literacy Working Group is currently finalising a survey to gather insights on the resources healthcare professionals need to support their patients’ health literacy. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to share your insights and experience, please click on the link here to participate in the survey. Stay tuned for further updates!
The On The Move (OTM) Working Group has released a new set of Myth-Busters to tackle common misconceptions about preventing and managing pain, especially for people with sedentary work. Prevention often starts with small, daily choices. This practical resource translates science-based evidence into simple actions you can do at work and at home. You can download the PDF here.
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The EFIC Pain Research Strategy (2021–2024) sets priorities for the future of pain research, focusing on key investment needs, reducing duplication, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. A summary of recommendations is now available in several European languages.
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The European science, healthcare, and education communities are invited to the PANACEA Final Conference on 5 November 2025 at Flagey, Brussels. This Erasmus+ project aims to bring placebo and nocebo education into the medical and health sciences curricula across Europe.
Find out more here.
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EFIC is pleased to announce that the results of the EFIC Education Study was published in the European Journal of Pain in May 2025.
You can view the publication here.
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UPDATES FROM THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
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The European Journal of Pain (EJP) is a multi-disciplinary, international journal that aims to be a global forum on all aspects of pain research and pain management. Read the latest issue here.
Reasons to publish in the EJP:
- An engaged editorial team offers a smooth submission process and sound peer review.
- Have your work associated with EFIC’s core work in education, research, and advocacy in the field.
- Get seen in thousands of global institutes and by professionals within EFIC’s 40 chapters.
- Attracts authors & readers with its high Impact Factor and volume of open access research.
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News from our EFIC Chapters
Read about recent news and updates from our 40 national chapters. Read more here. |
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Updates from Pain Alliance Europe (PAE)
Pain Alliance Europe (PAE) is a Pan-European umbrella organisation of approx. 40 regional and national associations in 17 European countries and represents more than 400,000 individual pain patients. One of PAE’s roles is to provide our member organisations with resources to create new and innovative solutions and projects on pain management in collaboration with the research community.
PAE enters Pain Awareness Month this September with renewed energy and valuable insights gained from the EFIC Congress 2025 in Lyon. The congress brought more of us together, strengthening our network and deepening our shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with chronic pain.
We remain more determined than ever to amplify the patient voice and advocate for equity and access to healthcare systems and services across the EU.
This year, PAE launched the PainW.I.S.E. Grant, a new initiative dedicated to empowering patients to manage chronic pain more effectively through education, support, and self-care projects. Following the close of the application period, we are pleased to report that we received a strong number of high-quality, innovative proposals from across Europe. The jury panel is currently reviewing and deliberating the submissions.
The announcement of the winner(s) is expected within the next 4–5 weeks. Stay tuned for updates by visiting our website and following us on Facebook.
Together, we are moving toward a more informed, empowered, and supported chronic pain community. As part of our efforts, we have launched a EU-wide survey, and we call upon all patients, patient organisations, and advocacy forums to join us in this initiative. Broad participation is essential to ensure we gather robust, representative data that accurately reflects the lived experiences of people with chronic pain and related mental health conditions.
The insights collected will inform comprehensive reports and serve as the foundation for an advocacy toolkit, aimed at urging policymakers and key stakeholders to make chronic pain a healthcare priority across Europe. You can participate and/or share our survey here.
Finally, PAE representatives will take part in the upcoming SIP event, “From Burden to Prevention: Reframing Chronic Pain in EU Health Policy”, on October 16th. This event presents an important opportunity for PAE to bring the patient voice to the forefront and highlight key issues related to pain prevention strategies within European health policy discussions.
Nadia Malliou
President Pain Alliance Europe PAE
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Submit Topical Workshops for the 2026 World Congress on Pain
Submit your Topical Workshop proposal for the 2026 World Congress on Pain by 15 October 2025. Topical Workshops 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. Take this opportunity to share your work with the international pain community and shape how we think about pain management for years to come.
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Apply for the IASP Collaborative Research Grant
The IASP Collaborative Research Grant supports international interdisciplinary pain research collaborations between at least two countries, emphasizing collaborations among basic, translational, and clinical scientists. Qualified applicants could receive up to $15,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs. Submit your applications by 30 September.
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IASP Pain Camps: Supporting Young Researchers
IASP Pain Camps are multidisciplinary/multiprofessional residential educational events aimed at promoting interdisciplinary pain management by improving the knowledge and skills of the next generation of healthcare professionals in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The purpose of these Pain Camps is for attendees to come together, develop peer-to-peer networks, and continue uniting different disciplines from diverse countries. Learn more about Pain Camps and help support these initiatives through donations on the IASP website.
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