A NETWORK OF HOPE 

Since its inception in 2009, the Rita Allen Foundation Award in Pain has expanded the reach of the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars program, supporting 38 pioneering early-career Pain Scholars. Each year, as we welcome a new class of Scholars, we reflect on the achievements of this growing community of researchers and the profound questions that propel them toward new discoveries.

These scientists are at the forefront of unraveling the neurobiological mechanisms of pain, mapping neural circuits, uncovering immune signaling pathways, and exploring the intricate connection between pain and itch. Their findings illuminate pathways toward novel pain therapeutics—offering new approaches to combat opioid tolerance and withdrawal, prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain, and develop safer, more precise treatments.

They are part of an interconnected network of innovators, leveraging cutting-edge tools and knowledge, bound by a shared commitment to shaping the future of pain research.

A Legacy of Commitment

The Foundation’s deep-rooted commitment to pain research dates to our original benefactor, Rita Allen, who identified pain as one of a handful of priority areas requiring support to alleviate human suffering. Her vision, combined with insight from pioneers in public health and biomedical research, established the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars program nearly 50 years ago, with pain research among its core areas of focus.

Since that time, our network has grown, inspired and guided by Dr. Kathleen Foley, a Rita Allen Scholar (1978) who has advanced pain research and treatment worldwide. As the Foundation’s Medical Advisor, Dr. Foley continues to support new generations of Scholars and strengthen partnerships that drive research forward. Philanthropic partners Open Philanthropy and Margaret and William R. Hearst III have made it possible to welcome nine additional Scholars into the Pain Scholars network since 2019. Together, we are working to expand opportunities for early-career scientists and forge collaborations that confront the vast scope of pain in America.

An Urgent and Promising Frontier

We extend our gratitude to the many Rita Allen Scholars who have advised and guided our efforts, serving on selection committees, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in the field.

The message we share about pain research is twofold: urgency and promise. The scientists featured in the pages ahead represent a growing community of innovative, dedicated researchers tackling pain from every angle—neuroscience, genetics, cell biology, and clinical practice. Despite the challenges, their collective work represents a network of hope.

This work becomes more urgent with an aging population globally, a rising number of cancer survivors experiencing chronic pain, and widespread suffering that remains difficult to quantify. Today, chronic pain affects more than 24% of adults in the United States, with 22 million Americans enduring high-impact pain that severely limits their daily lives. This epidemic exacts a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars, yet the human toll is immeasurable.

Despite a recent encouraging decrease, opioid addiction and overdose deaths remain a national crisis, with opioid overdose the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44. Investing in pain research is a critical component of addressing this crisis—paving the way for safer, more effective treatments and long-term solutions. And we are working to share this essential message with other philanthropic partners.

Exploring New Frontiers in Pain Science

Beyond these challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new concerns. Many patients recovering from COVID-19 experience lingering pain, prompting Rita Allen Pain Scholars and other researchers to explore the connections between viral infections, inflammation, and the nervous system. Their work seeks to unravel the biological underpinnings of post-viral pain, potentially leading to new insights not only for COVID-19 patients but for chronic pain sufferers worldwide.

The field of pain research is full of seeds of innovation—offering new directions in medicine that could transform the lives of millions. By investing in biomedical research, particularly pain research, we are investing in a future of hope—a future where safer, more effective treatments exist, and where patients and families no longer must endure the burden of chronic pain without answers.

With profound appreciation to and for the dedicated scientists advancing this essential work,

Elizabeth G. Christopherson
President and CEO
Rita Allen Foundation

READ MORE: Award in Pain Scholars: Advancing Basic Pain Research.