As is the case with many health and scientific membership associations, IASP accepts funds from industry to support our programs. However, pharmaceutical, medical device, and other scientific and health-related companies are not involved in any way in reviewing or determining the scientific content of IASP journals, the World Congress on Pain, or any IASP meetings. Only highly qualified IASP members with significant topical expertise develop and assess our educational materials.
Representatives of these firms may attend the World Congress within the exhibit hall and other public areas of the meeting. Any content presented by these companies at the Congress or any other IASP meeting is clearly labelled to ensure transparency. IASP and these firms follow all applicable local laws.
In addition, IASP maintains a conflict of interest policy regarding endorsements that all association leaders are required to follow. It declares that it is acceptable for organizational leaders to participate in activities with industry-such as speaking roles, advisory board memberships, authors of monographs or papers, consultation-but it must be clear at the time of accepting an invitation that the leader is not representing IASP. To avoid the appearance that the leader is endorsing a product or company on behalf of IASP, all marketing of the activity must omit the leader’s role within IASP.
IASP bylaws state that each director, principal officer, and member of a committee with governing board-delegated powers shall annually sign a statement that affirms that he or she (1) has received a copy of the conflict of interest policy, (2) has read and understands the policy, (3) has agreed to comply with the policy, and (4) understands that the organization is charitable and to maintain its federal tax exemption must engage primarily in activities that accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes. In addition, each of these individuals must provide the additional information requested by the statement.
Following are the procedures the IASP Council has adopted in working with industry:
Who can initiate and secure relationships with industry on behalf of IASP
Any officer, director, member of a committee with governing board-delegated powers, employee, or agent of the organization can initiate contact with a commercial entity on behalf of IASP after first asking the Secretariat to approve the solicitation concept and applicable program or initiative intended to receive funding. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed. Approved persons who initiate contact will turn that relationship over to the Secretariat to confirm funding agreements by means of a contract between IASP and the commercial entity. Contracts will detail the funding to be received, how such support will be disclosed, and explicit benefits to both IASP and the commercial entity. In no event shall any officer, director, member of a committee with governing board-delegated powers, employee, or agent of IASP sign an agreement with such a third party, nor shall such an individual have the authority to sign such an agreement, unless such rights are set out in IASP’s articles of incorporation or bylaws or unless specifically authorized by the IASP Council.
Interactions with industry
Any officer, director, member of a committee with governing board-delegated powers, employee, or agent of the organization who initiates or maintains a relationship with industry on behalf of IASP should do so without self-serving interest. Such an individual will not accept personal gifts, favors, or monetary funds as a result of procuring commercial support originating from these relationships or in violation of any applicable laws.
Identification of programs for commercial support
The Executive Committee and Council will annually identify initiatives and programs for which commercial support is sought. Those items prioritized for industry funding should support IASP’s strategic plan and specifically align with organizational goals identified for the year in which support is solicited.
Guiding principles when securing commercial support
Any commercial entity with which IASP enters into a relationship must adhere to IASP’s guiding principles, including but not limited to IASP’s conflict of interest policy. Industry partners must be ethical, appropriate, and professional and must support IASP’s mission to improve pain relief worldwide through research, education, practice, and policy. IASP must maintain independence from industry during the creation and delivery of any educational program and initiative. Programs supported by industry should be free from commercial influence. If there is any commercial influence, such influence must be clearly stated and disclosed and must be cleared by the IASP Executive Committee.
Alignment with industry codes of conduct
Any commercial entity with which IASP enters into a relationship should adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the following industry codes that align with IASP principles: International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations Code of Practice, Advanced Medical Technology Association Code of Ethics, Ethical MedTech and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association Codes and Guidelines.
Listed below are disclosures from 2024. Please click here to see past disclosures.
World Congress on Pain Paid Exhibitors and Supporters
(including in-kind support for workshops)
Exhibitors
Other Grant Support 2024
- Crankstart Foundation: Independent Education Grant for the IASP Pain Research Forum
- The MAYDAY Fund: Independent Education Grant for the IASP Pain Research Forum
- Viatris – Part funding for Independent Educational program 2023-2024