Introduction and a brief historical overview of the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Abstract

The mission of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is "to bring together scientists, clinicians, healthcare providers, and policymakers to stimulate and support the study of pain and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide." The IASP will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and the series of articles published in this special issue of its flagship journal PAIN highlights the IASP's achievements over the past 5 decades. This article provides a brief historical overview of the IASP's 50-year journey, including the key "players," events, and initiatives leading to its formation and contributing to its progress. It complements the other articles outlining the contributions that the IASP has made and likely will continue to make to advances in pain education, research, management and advocacy, and its value to the IASP members.