National Pain Week 2026: Advancing Research to Improve Life with Pain

26–31 July 2026

Every year, National Pain Week shines a spotlight on the millions of Australians living with chronic pain while encouraging greater understanding, better support and improved access to effective pain management.

 

Led by Chronic Pain Australia, this year's National Pain Week (26–31 July) continues the national conversation about the significant personal, social and economic impact of chronic pain, while highlighting the importance of listening to lived experience, promoting evidence-based care and driving meaningful change through research and advocacy. Australians living with chronic pain are also encouraged to share their experiences through the 2026 National Pain Survey, helping shape future policy, services and research priorities.

 

The Hopkins Centre is proud to contribute to this growing body of knowledge through research that seeks to better understand pain, improve rehabilitation outcomes and develop more personalised approaches to care. Our researchers work alongside people with lived experience, clinicians and health services to ensure research translates into meaningful improvements for individuals and families.

 

Building a better understanding of pain

Pain is complex. It affects every person differently and can influence physical health, mental wellbeing, participation in work and community life, and quality of life. Research at The Hopkins Centre explores pain from multiple perspectives, recognising that effective management extends beyond treating symptoms alone.

 

Current and recent Hopkins Centre research includes:

• The role of cognition, communication and rehabilitation in pain management, supporting clinicians to better identify and respond to the needs of people experiencing persistent pain alongside neurological conditions.
• Improving rehabilitation environments and person-centred care, recognising that physical, psychological and social factors all contribute to pain experiences and recovery.
• Innovative approaches to rehabilitation, including digital technologies, interdisciplinary models of care and consumer-led research that support people living with complex health conditions.
   

 

Research making a difference

Hopkins Centre researchers are also helping to translate the latest evidence into clinical practice through education, collaboration and knowledge exchange.

 

One example is Dr Nicholas Aitcheson's work in contemporary pain science. Through presentations, community engagement and professional education, Dr Aitcheson continues to advocate for a broader understanding of pain that considers biological, psychological and social influences, helping clinicians and communities rethink how pain is understood and managed.

By bringing together researchers, health professionals and people with lived experience, The Hopkins Centre is committed to developing practical solutions that improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with pain.

 

Looking back—and moving forward

Last year's National Pain Week campaign, "Pain Takes a Nation," highlighted the widespread impact of chronic pain on individuals, families and communities, calling for pain to become a national health priority. This year's campaign builds on that momentum by continuing to amplify the voices of people living with pain and advocating for equitable, evidence-based care for all Australians.

 

As National Pain Week 2026 begins, The Hopkins Centre encourages everyone to learn more about chronic pain, support those living with it, and recognise the important role research plays in improving prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

 

Together, through collaboration, innovation and lived experience, we can help create a future where people living with pain receive the understanding, care and opportunities they deserve.