Symposium on the Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) 2011: European Commissioner John Dalli Calls for a Better Understanding of ‘Pain’ in Europe

Figures & data

Figure 1. The Societal Impact of Pain Symposium took place during 3–4 May 2011 in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Figure 2. More than 300 stakeholders from over 30 countries participated in the 2-day event on the Societal Impact of Pain.

Figure 3. Patricia Reilly, Member of the Cabinet of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.

Patricia Reilly referred to pain as “undoubtedly one of the most debilitating conditions affecting people of all ages and it‘s a major healthcare challenge for Europe” and confirming that “research into pain and its many forms, its causes, management and indeed possible cures are very much part of the European Research agenda and are supported by the framework program”.

Figure 4. Isabel de la Mata, Principal Advisor from the EU Commission with special interest in public health.

Isabel de la Mata commented on the current Commission‘s Public Consultation on Active and Healthy Ageing, giving the three indicative action areas in this innovative partnership: “The first one is innovation and support of the health and the well-being of the older people. The second one is the innovation and support of the healthcare systems that could respond to the needs of the older people and the third one will be the action area for innovation in products and services that could support this Active and Healthy Ageing.”