The Mechanisms and Trajectories theme focuses on bridging critical gaps in the understanding of pain mechanisms and related phenomena. It aims to uncover the reasons behind individual differences in pain perception and recovery from injury.
Through high-impact, discovery-driven research, we seek to advance knowledge of nociception and pain, addressing key questions on why some individuals experience swift recovery while others endure prolonged or chronic pain.
Mechanisms and Trajectories theme team
Coordinated Research Program
Leveraging the diverse collaboration and skills within the Centre, we aim to overcome major research limitations by:
- Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach to address the complex interplay between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors in pain and injury.
- Bridging the gap between pre-clinical (animal) and human research by understanding both sides of this divide.
- Ensuring advances in one pain condition or research step are translated to others, overcoming fragmented research.
- Including humanistic and philosophical perspectives often excluded from pain research.
Significance
This program will:
- Provide solutions to key gaps in understanding pain, guiding treatment and understanding of recovery trajectories.
- Identify new treatment targets and plausible biomarkers for matching treatments.
- Enhance understanding of age-related changes contributing to pain and functional decline.
- Identify risk factors for pain and injury, and their recovery or persistence trajectories.
- Develop a comprehensive philosophical understanding of pain.