Initiatives & Grants | World Free of Pain

Patients and their families need support with managing pain and its consequences. Grünenthal is actively involved in several impact-driven initiatives that help pain patients get back to normal living quickly and sustainably. We are proud to share these selected highlight projects.

CHANGE PAIN

Grünenthal established Change Pain in 2009 with the aim of creating a better understanding of pain patients’ needs and developing solutions that improve pain management. It was launched in 12 European countries, and is endorsed by the European Pain Federation EFIC^® and Pain Alliance Europe (PAE). Since it was launched, Change Pain has supported the development of a wide range of tools that make physicians’ daily practice easier. More than 65,000 healthcare professionals have been involved in its educational activities via in-person workshops and web-based learning modules.

EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant (E-G-G)

This initiative supports early-career scientists in carrying out innovative clinical research into pain within countries that are members of the European Pain Federation EFIC^®. Grünenthal provides up to €110,000 of funding for this grant each year. Individual research grants worth a maximum of €50,000 are available for projects with a duration of up to two years. These grants target clinical and human experimental pain research, including innovative educational initiatives that improve pain diagnosis and treatment. Grants are allocated by a sub-group of the EFIC^® Working Group for Grants and Prizes.

Societal Impact of Pain (SIP)

The SIP platform is a multi-stakeholder partnership that aims to raise awareness of pain and change pain policies. It is led by the European Pain Federation EFIC^® and Pain Alliance Europe (PAE). Grünenthal and Pfizer are its main sponsors. SIP provides opportunities for discussion among stakeholders including healthcare professionals, pain advocacy groups, politicians, healthcare insurance providers, representatives from health authorities, regulators, and budget holders. It is endorsed by more than 310 European patient and healthcare authorities, and collaborates with a range of organisations to advocate for improved pain management.

PainW.I.S.E. Grant

In May 2025, Pain Alliance Europe introduced the PainW.I.S.E (Pain, Wellbeing, Innovation, Self-management, Empowerment) Grant, which is sponsored by Grünenthal. This initiative aims to empower people living with chronic pain through education, support, and self-care, evolving from the previous Brain Mind and Pain (BMP) Grant. The grant strives to foster initiatives driven by patients and patient organizations or in collaboration with them, focusing on raising awareness of the challenges faced by those with chronic pain and improving their quality of life through better management and prevention. Applications for the PainW.I.S.E Grant are open from May until July 2025.

More details on the PainW.I.S.E Grant and application procedures

Increasing access and awareness

CHANGE PAIN

EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant (E-G-G)

Societal Impact of Pain (SIP)

PainW.I.S.E. Grant

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