The European Pain Federation EFIC is pleased to share recent news and updates from our national chapters below.
Portugal
Join us at the IX APED Congress 2026 under the theme “NeuroDor 360 – A Comprehensive Perspective on Neuropathic Pain”, aligned with the International Association for the Study of Pain Global Year 2026.
Experience a multidisciplinary scientific programme dedicated to advancing knowledge and clinical practice in Neuropathic Pain. Participate in hands-on training through the Workshop on Interventional Pain Medicine and the Workshop on Spinal Cord Stimulation 360º – From Patient Selection to Personalised Therapy, alongside practice-oriented sessions including the Nursing Workshop and the NEURODOR 360º Course – Clinical Case Discussions in General and Family Medicine.
Connect with leading experts and colleagues, strengthen your clinical skills, and explore innovative and practical approaches to pain management.
Learn more and register here:
APED Congress 2026
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- LinkedIn: APED – Associação Portuguesa para o Estudo da Dor
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#CongressoAPED2026 #APEDCongress2026 #NeuroDor360 #NeuropathicPain #PainManagement #IASP2026
Croatia
Trans-national EFIC Pain School on Multidisciplinary Pain Management in South-Eastern Europe
Osijek, Croatia, 30 March – 2 April 2026
I am pleased to provide a report of the EFIC Pain School held in Osijek, Croatia, from 30 March to 2 April 2026.
The main objective of the school was to promote the implementation of multidisciplinary pain management in South-Eastern Europe through the training of young doctors and other healthcare professionals. The event was jointly organised by the EFIC and the national pain societies of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Serbia, and Slovenia. The cost of the organization remained within the allocated budget. This was contributed by the support of the Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek (Department of Pain Management) acting as host and co-organiser. They provided us with multimedia classrooms, technical staff, and food and drinks during the whole day program free of charge. Smaller financial assistance was provided by 3 companies and the city of Osijek. The Medical Faculty Osijek also provided support.
The school was attended by 24 participants from 12 countries: Albania (2), Armenia (1), Bosnia and Herzegovina (4), Bulgaria (1), Croatia (4), Greece (2), Hungary (1), Italy (1), Portugal (1), Romania (2), Serbia (4), Slovenia (1), and Barbados (1).
The faculty consisted of 29 distinguished speakers from 11 countries. Notable international experts included the current EFIC President, Prof. Luis Garcia-Larrea (France), EFIC Education Chair Prof. Indre Bileviciute-Ljungar (Sweden), and Vice-Chair Prof. Victor Mayoral (Spain).
The school followed the EFIC Pain School format, combining lectures, workshops, and predominantly Case-Based Learning (CBL). The focus was on building multidisciplinary teams capable of delivering integrated, patient-centred care for chronic pain. Participants and lecturers are provided with access to EFIC Academy content before and after school.
The social programme played an important role in fostering networking and team spirit. It included two guided tourist routes (Osijek city tour and Baranja region) and four dinners in three different restaurants. Participants particularly enjoyed the traditional dinner at the Josić Winery and Restaurant, where they experienced the authentic spirit, culture, music, and gastronomy of Slavonia and Baranja.
The overall feedback was highly positive. The vast majority of respondents rated the overall quality of the school, achievement of objectives, and educational content as “Very satisfied”. The school was covered by TV coverage on national and local TV networks, daily newspapers and internet portals. This contributed to sensitizing the general public about the importance of education in the treatment of chronic pain.
The 2026 Osijek EFIC Pain School proved to be a successful and well-received educational event that brought together young professionals from South-Eastern Europe and beyond in a truly multidisciplinary and international environment.
Ivan Omrčen, MD
Director of the EFIC Pain School Osijek 2026
MD at the Department of Pain Management
Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, Croatia
United Kingdom
The British Pain Society, as the British Chapter of the European Pain Federation EFIC, is looking ahead to a landmark milestone: the 60th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will take place in Glasgow on 20 April 2027, followed by the EFIC 2027 Annual Meeting, also in Glasgow. This anniversary event will celebrate 60 years of progress in pain care while also looking to the future. It will provide a platform to explore how scientific discovery, clinical practice, and lived experience can come together to improve outcomes for people living with pain. The meeting will also highlight the Society’s role within EFIC in fostering a collaborative, innovative, and responsive European pain community.
Looking ahead to this milestone, the Society will also launch its first themed year in September 2026, coinciding with Pain Awareness Month, with a focus on AI, technology, and innovation in pain management. Throughout the year, the British Pain Society will encourage discussion, learning, and critical reflection on how digital health, data science, and emerging technologies can support research, diagnosis, treatment, education, and self-management, while also addressing important questions around equity, ethics, and implementation.
As part of this and the BPS programme, several webinars are scheduled throughout 2026, and recordings of recent sessions are available in the webinar section of the BPS website. Recent webinar topics have included the concept of the placebo in pain management, understanding and supporting pain in diverse communities, and living with and communicating chronic pain.
Alongside these activities, the British Pain Society is encouraging members to renew, or begin, their membership for 2026. Membership offers the opportunity to join a truly multidisciplinary community of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists, and researchers committed to improving pain management. We are pleased to offer a £25 membership rate for students, early career professionals, and retirees, ensuring that people at every stage of their career can stay connected and engaged. The membership also provides access to Society publications, including the British Journal of Pain, Pain News, and monthly newsletters.
Further details on the 60th ASM, the themed year, webinars, and opportunities to get involved will be shared through the Society’s website and communications channels in the coming months.
