Pain Research Innovation Awards
Pain Research Innovation Awards support developing M.D. and Ph.D. researchers through mentored projects to advance understanding of opioid stewardship in acute pain management and build pain research careers.
Funder: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Due Dates: 2026 cycle (accepting applications; deadline not specified)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000 USD over two years; up to three awards annually
Summary: Supports mentored research advancing opioid stewardship in acute pain management and the development of pain research careers.
Key Information: Mentored RIAs support M.D.s and Ph.D.s working with established pain researchers.
Description
The Pain Research Innovation Awards (RIAs) are competitive grants from Vertex Pharmaceuticals supporting the next generation of M.D.s and Ph.D.s pursuing careers in pain research. The program focuses on advancing understanding of opioid stewardship in acute pain management, linking a defined scientific priority with the development of researchers working in this area.
The program offers Mentored RIAs for projects carried out with established pain researchers. Mentorship is central to its approach: awards support both scientific investigation and the establishment of careers in pain research. Applications are reviewed and selected by an independent steering committee. The awards form part of Vertex’s broader support for scientific research, innovation, and initiatives that advance knowledge and care for people living with serious diseases in its research focus areas.
