Strategic initiatives and technical platforms
Our strategic initiatives
QPRN members are playing key roles in provincial, national, and international organizations, as well as in strategic initiatives seeking to reduce the burden of chronic pain. The Strategic Action Plan of the QPRN is organized into 5 Strategic Initiatives (SI) (also referred to as thematic axes). These are focused on crucial domains of biomedical and/or clinical research. Based on you research interests, being a member of the QPRN gives you the possibility to join the strategic initiatives:
SI 1: Mapping of neuronal circuits
SI 2: Adverse effects of pain medication
SI 3: Low back pain risk factors
SI 4: Knowledge transfer in pain research
SI 5: Judicious use of opioids
Our technical platforms
The Plan also includes 5 Technical Platforms (TP) (also referred to as structuring axes) in support of the five SI, to provide high-quality technical services and resources to members. These platforms include:
TP 1: Molecular tools & cellular imaging
TP 2: Behavioural phenotyping platform
TP 3: Multimodal brain and spinal imaging platform
TP 4: Genetics & genomics analysis
TP 5: Patient-Oriented Research platform
Registry access program
Members from the Pain Network will benefit from a program that gives access to Quebec Pain Registry (QPR) for a preliminary analysis of their needs in regards to the preparation of a proposal for a granting agency.
The total envelope available for this program amounts a total of 20 000$, with a maximum of 1 500$ per request. The program is created on a policy of “pay-back loan”
Invited speaker program
Intended to support members from the Pain Network wishing to invite internationally-recognized guest speakers to present innovating aspects of their research program.
- 5 envelopes available per fiscal year (March to April)
- 2 000$ maximum per invited speaker, the excess being covered by the visited sites.
- The invited speaker need to present at least on 2 sites, in 2 different cities (i.e. 2 universities or research centers in Montreal are considered as a sole site. The invited speaker would need for instance to give a lecture in Quebec City as well to be eligible).
- The Pain Network needs to be identified as the main partner for holding the event (logos available on demand).
Event support program
The QPRN members involved in the organizing committee of an event around the theme of pain can apply to the QPRN management committee to request financial support. This support aims to stimulate networking as well as the visibility of our members’ initiatives.
The maximum support possible will depend on the scale of the event:
- Provincial : 1000$
- National : 2500$
- International : 5000$ (conditions apply)
Knowledge popularization support
The QPRN can help you popularize and disseminate your research and its results. Please contact us at info@qprn.ca if you are looking for support in creating popularized material. You can also publish your results in the “Popularized publications” section of our website by filling in this form.
Pilot projects program

This program serves to initiate and promote an innovative and not funded aspect of the scientific research of Network members. Researchers will be able to test the feasibility of an innovative concept by obtaining preliminary data that will allow the preparation of a grant application to one of the recognized funding agencies.
The Pain Network offers a total funding envelope of $ 100,000 and a maximum of $ 25,000 can be awarded per project.
Research participation portal

The QPRN disseminates research projects currently in recruitment phase to potential participants wishing to know them. The purpose of this tool is to inform Quebecers about ongoing pain research activities and to facilitate the research activity of QPRN members.
To disseminate their research project currently being recruited, researchers who are regular members of the RQRD can complete the registration form by following the link below.