Rising Star Award Applications Now Open
Do you know an emerging pain researcher whose work is shaping the future of pain science? Or are you an early-career researcher making significant contributions to the field?
The APS Rising Star Award celebrates outstanding emerging pain researchers in Australia who are demonstrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and impact in pain research. We encourage both self-nominations and nominations from research leaders, supervisors, mentors, and colleagues.
THE RISING STAR AWARD
The Successful Recipient will receive
- Return domestic airfare to attend APS 2027
- Accommodation during the conference
- Complimentary conference registration
- The opportunity to deliver a plenary presentation at APS 2027, showcasing their research, achievements, and vision for the future of pain research
This award may be presented annually, subject to the application of suitable candidates.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Tuesday 17 June 2026 |
| Applications close | 11:59pm AEDT, Wednesday 7 October 2026 |
| Notification of outcome | October – November 2026 |
| Winner registration deadline | Tuesday 24 January 2027 |
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD and be within five years of the date on their official PhD conferral letter at the application closing date.
- Be working in any area of pain research.
- Be a current financial member of the Australian Pain Society (APS).
- Be an Australian citizen or resident currently working in Australia and have completed at least two postdoctoral years in Australia, or have returned to continue working in Australia.
Apply as an individual researcher (research teams are not eligible). - Be available to attend APS 2027 in person and deliver the Rising Star Award presentation
The selection committee recognises that career paths are not always linear and will take personal circumstances and career interruptions into consideration when assessing eligibility and achievements relative to opportunity.
Selection Criteria
The Rising Star Award recognises excellence in pain research and will be assessed on achievements relative to opportunity.
Applicants are required to submit a one-page personal statement (A4, 12pt Times New Roman) addressing the following criteria, supported by evidence:
- Research track record and achievements relative to opportunity
- Research impact
- Leadership and contribution to the pain research community
Applicants must also provide:
Three Key Publications
Submit three publications that best represent your most significant research contributions. These publications may be drawn from any stage of your research career.
For each publication, provide a summary of up to 200 words outlining:
- Your contribution to the work
- Why the publication is important
- The impact it has had on the field, practice, policy, or future research
Proposed Plenary Presentation Abstract
Submit an abstract (maximum 500 words) for your proposed APS 2027 Rising Star plenary presentation.
The word limit includes:
- Title
- Author names
- Institutional affiliations
- References
Please minimise the use of abbreviations and ensure the abstract is written in clear, high-quality English.
Career Interruptions and Relative to Opportunity
APS is committed to recognising excellence relative to opportunity.
If you have experienced career interruptions, worked part-time, or held a fractional appointment, please indicate the relevant dates and duration within your application. You do not need to disclose the reasons for these periods and should not provide sensitive personal information.
These circumstances will be considered by the selection committee when assessing eligibility and achievements.
Nominate A Rising Star
Many talented researchers are often too modest to put themselves forward. If there is someone in your team whose achievements deserve recognition, we encourage you to nominate them and support their application.
Looking To Grow Your Impact?
Explore Australian Pain Society grants, scholarships and awards designed to support research, professional development and emerging leaders in pain care.
Explore opportunities