The aim of painSTAR is to bring together a group of around 30 exceptional PhD/post-doctoral (or equivalent) pain researchers to participate in an intensive program focussed on linking the bench to bedside. Pain Schools foster interdisciplinary collaboration, accelerated translation of research findings to care delivery, and the development of skills to help influence political/health service systems - all topics that are critical for high quality translational pain research but are rarely covered in standard teaching/conference curriculum. Consumer representatives will be part of the faculty, providing attendees with exposure to the personal and social consequences of living with persistent pain, and providing inspiration about the importance of translational pain research.

The Australian Pain Society firmly believes that Pain Schools play a key role in shaping the future research agenda and improving outcomes for individuals living with pain. The inaugural school will be held at the Novotel Barossa valley from 13^th-17^th November 2022 and will be modelled on the North American Pain School (NAPS). We have secured sponsorship from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM), the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) and a range of other professional partner organisations.

As you may know, more than 1 in 5 Australians live with persistent pain; a condition that is associated with marked physical and psychological impairment, sub-optimal workforce engagement, early retirement and increased suicidality. Women are particularly affected, being underrepresented in both interdisciplinary translational research teams and as the subject of specific pain research, but overrepresented in the population of people living with persistent pain. Less than 0.02% of adults with persistent pain will visit a tertiary pain service and around 80% will be unable to access treatment that could improve their functioning or quality of life. The situation is far worse for rural and remote communities and for children, with paediatric pain services being particularly limited in this country. We must do better! Pain schools are focused on achieving this aim - centering research in translational goals that have a direct and timely impact on patient outcomes.