The European Pain Federation EFIC is proud to introduce the Rising Star Programme, a new initiative created to empower and support early career researchers (ECRs) in the field of pain science. The programme provides tailored support for ECRs to grow professionally, expand their networks, and navigate the challenges of a research career. Through webinars, advice sessions, discussion groups, and more, participants gain valuable insights and skills to thrive in pain research.
A key feature of the programme is that it is developed by early career researchers, for early career researchers. This ensures that the content and activities are shaped by the real-world needs and ambitions of those at the start of their scientific journey.
Whether you are pursuing a PhD, completing your postdoctoral work, or in the first years of an academic or industry research role, the EFIC Rising Star Programme invites you to:
- Connect with peers and mentors across Europe
- Take part in practical advice sessions and skill-building webinars
- Join interactive discussion groups to share experiences and challenges
- Help shape the future of pain research together with EFIC
Meet the Rising Star Programme Working Group
The programme is shaped by early career researchers from across Europe. Get in touch with any of them to find out more.
For early career researchers
Resources and activities
A growing set of resources to support you through your research career, from a live monthly meetup to on-demand recordings and a dedicated job board.
EFIC ECR Coffee Club
A relaxed monthly meetup for early career pain researchers. Connect with peers, share everyday research challenges and successes, exchange ideas, and grow your international network in an informal setting. Each session opens with a short thematic introduction, followed by open discussion. Bring your favourite beverage and join us on the last Tuesday of each month at 12:00 CET. Open to all early career researchers.
Almost everyone has a secret fallback dream. Come and discuss the ultimate hypothetical question: what job would you have if you were not in research? Share the paths you did not take, discover your peers' hidden talents, and meet the people behind the science.
Skills Lab recordings
Catch up on past sessions of the EFIC Rising Stars Skills Lab: Soft Skills for Hard Science, our quarterly series on the professional skills that support a research career.
Beyond Academia vs. Industry: Exploring Career Paths for ECRs
Watch the recordingECR Job Board
A central hub for current career opportunities in the European pain community, from PhD positions to postdoctoral and early-stage research roles.
Recruiting? Post an opportunity.Latest Updates
Meet the EFIC Rising Stars: New Spotlight Highlights Early Career Pain Researchers
The EFIC Rising Stars Programme is a new initiative to connect and support early career researchers in the European pain field. The newest initiative is this ECR spotlight in the EFIC newsletter and posting on the Rising Star webpage. If you want to be represented or...
Join our EFIC ECR Coffee Club in June 2026
The EFIC Rising Stars Programme is a new initiative to connect and support early career researchers in the European pain field. As part of this programme, we are launching the monthly ECR Coffee Club. What is the Coffee Club? An informal, welcoming space to meet...
Join our EFIC ECR Coffee Club in May 2026
The EFIC Rising Stars Programme is a new initiative to connect and support early career researchers in the European pain field. As part of this programme, we are launching the monthly ECR Coffee Club. What is the Coffee Club? An informal, welcoming space to meet...