EFIC Lab-to-Society Working Group

Pain research produces a steady stream of findings with real-world implications – for people living with pain, for health professionals, and for society at large. Yet much of that knowledge remains within scientific circles, rarely reaching the audiences who could benefit from it most.

The EFIC Lab-to-Society Working Group was established to change that. Its purpose is to build a structured, sustained approach to translating pain research into accessible, evidence-based communication, and to support EFIC’s network of national chapters in disseminating that content across Europe in ways that are locally relevant and, where possible, multilingual.

Our approach: The working group develops communication around a defined thematic framework, updated on a regular cycle. Each theme gives rise to a series of focused, digestible outputs – covering key messages, myth-busting content, plain-language research summaries, and expert perspectives. These building blocks are designed to be reused and adapted, enabling EFIC chapters to amplify them within their own communities.

2026 Theme: From Research to Reality – Pain Beyond the Myths

For 2026, the working group has chosen to focus on myths and misconceptions about pain: where they come from, why they persist, and what the evidence actually shows.

Misinformation about pain is widespread – in clinical settings, in media, and in everyday life. Persistent myths shape the decisions people make about seeking help, the advice they receive from health professionals, and the way pain is understood and managed at a societal level. Addressing these myths directly, with clear and credible research-backed messaging, is therefore both a scientific and a public health priority.

Throughout the year, the working group will release a rotating series of myth-busting outputs spanning different areas of pain science. This approach maintains variety and relevance while ensuring that each output is rooted in evidence and has clear clinical or patient relevance.