A School of Biomedical Sciences researcher has received an international award for his research into non-invasive pain relief through brainwave training.
Dr Jerin Mathew, a lecturer in the Department of Anatomy, says he is deeply honoured to receive the International Association on the Study of Pain (IASP) Early Career Research Grant.
This is the first time a pain researcher from New Zealand has been awarded this US$20,000 grant.
The IASP is the leading global organisation in pain research and treatment bringing together more than 6,000 scientists, clinicians, healthcare providers and policymakers representing 125 countries.
This prestigious award is granted annually to up to two early career pain researchers to conduct independent research programmes and highlights exceptional contributions and innovative approaches to advancing pain research.
“I am incredibly grateful. I feel my success underscores the global significance of pain research in New Zealand and the impact this field continues to have in addressing one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide.
“I’m pleased that the grant will support me to further advance my research into chronic pain management, making meaningful contributions to both the community and the broader field of pain research,” Jerin says.
With a background in physiotherapy and neuroscience, Jerin’s primary research focuses on chronic pain and neuromodulation – that is technologies that directly target brain activity to improve pain outcomes.
His innovative project focuses on developing and testing the potential of a novel Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-Neurofeedback (NF) therapy (brainwave training) to manage neuropathic pain symptoms in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
This therapy is a promising, non-invasive approach that empowers patients to train their brain activity, potentially reducing their pain experience.