SPS Annual Congress 2026
Join us for the Swiss Pain Society Annual Congress 2026 at CHUV Lausanne on 27 November 2026. The meeting is dedicated to Neuropathic Pain and Beyond and aligned with the International Association for the Study of Pain – Global Year on Neuropathic Pain 2026.
Neuropathic pain remains difficult to define, measure, and treat. Despite advances in neurobiology, the link between mechanisms, diagnosis, and outcomes is often unclear. This congress addresses that gap directly: The programme starts with current perspectives on central processing and neurophysiology, including how neuropathic pain is represented in the brain. It then moves towards clinical questions: which treatments work, in whom, and under which conditions. The role of social factors is explicitly included, reflecting their relevance for prognosis and treatment response.
The second part of the programme broadens the perspective to reflect the clinical diversity of pain conditions and their management. Our distinguished speakers will address specific pain syndromes, such as orofacial pain, alongside targeted therapeutic approaches, including the use of botulinum toxin. Contributions from psychiatry and paediatric pain, including CRPS in children, further highlight the heterogeneity of patient populations and challenge simplified classifications.
A joint Swiss–French session closes the meeting and emphasises the need for shared clinical and scientific frameworks. The format throughout the day is deliberately focused: short lectures, case-based discussion, and exchange across disciplines.
Swiss Pain Society (SPS)
Prof. Dr. med. Marc Suter
SPS Präsident
Dr. med. Michael Harnik
Prof. Dr. Emmanuelle Opsommer
Dr. med. Manfred Koch
Date:
Friday, 27. November 2026
Venue:
CHUV
Rue du Bugnon 46
1005 Lausanne
Topic:
Neuropathic Pain and beyond
Recognition of the SPS:
SPS vergibt 6 Weiterbildungspunkte zur Erhaltung des Titels «SPS Schmerzspezialist:in®».
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMM
Speaker details will be announced soon. Programme subject to change.
Friday, 27. November 2026
incl. SIG meetings
SPEAKER
Meet the invited speakers here.
PD Dr. med. Janne Girthmühlen
Senior Physician, Section for Neurological Pain Research and Therapy
Klinik für Neurologie
UKSH, Campus Kiel
Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus D
D-24105 Kiel
PD Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Nevian
Ordinarius, Ko-Direktor
Department of Physiology
University of Bern
Bühlplatz 5
3012 Bern
Prof. Dr. phil. Tom Friedli
Lecturer, Institute of Social Work and Health, FHNW School of Social Work
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz
Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit
Riggenbachstrasse 16
4600 Olten
Xavier Moisset
Dr. med. dent. Mei-Yin Hou
Universität Bern
Klinik für Rekonstruktive Zahnmedizin und Gerodontologie
Freiburgstrasse 7
3010 Bern
Prof. Nathan Moreau
Prof. Dr méd. Éric Serra
Pierrick Poisbeau, PhD
Professor in Neuroscience
Head of CNRS research group
Head of EURIDOL Graduate School of Pain
Dr. rer. nat. Lea Höfel
Leiterin Zentrum für Schmerztherapie junger Menschen
Kinderklinik Garmisch-Partenkirchen GmbH
Gehfeldstraße 24
82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
ABSTRACTS
Abstract submission for the SPS Annual Congress 2026 is now open, with a submission deadline of 31 July 2026.
The Call for Abstracts (PDF) and the submission template (Word document) are available for download here.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration are open.
Secure your discounted ticket and join us at the SPS Annual Congress 2026 — we look forward to welcoming you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VENUE
CHUV
Rue du Bugnon 46
1005 Lausanne
The CHUV is easy to reach by car or public transport:
On the highway, take the Lausanne-Vennes/Hôpitaux exit and join the route de Berne. From there follow signs for the CHUV.
- From the Lausanne train station or the Ouchy park-and-ride, take metro line M2 towards Croisettes or Sallaz and get off at the stop marked “CHUV”.
- From the Vennes park-and-ride, take metro line M2 towards Ouchy and get off at “CHUV”.
- From the Valmont and Feuillère park-and-rides, take bus n° 41, get off at “Sallaz”, then take metro line M2 towards Ouchy and get off at “CHUV”.
The hospital carpark is not managed by the CHUV. It is independent and belongs to the PMS company (Parking management services S.A.). It is open 24/7 and offers 493 spaces, for a fee.
Location:
Avenue de Beaumont 25, Lausanne.
Tel.+41 21 312 01 06
ACCOMODATION
For information on hotel options in Lausanne, we recommend visiting the Lausanne Tourism website, which provides a comprehensive overview of available accommodation. Please note that no official hotel contingents have been reserved for the congress.
BOOTH EXHIBITION
In addition to an interesting and informative program, we look forward to a colourful trade exhibition, industry symposia and personal exchange on site, as we do every year.
If you are interested in having a booth, please contact us at info@swisspainsociety.ch
FAQ
What is included in the registration costs?
Registration gives you access to all keynote speeches, parallel SIG sessions and networking opportunities.
Are meals included in my registration?
Yes, the registration gives you access to the morning and afternoon coffee breaks and lunch.
Can I cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be sent in writing to info(a)swisspainsociety.ch.
Cancellations received on or after June 31, 2026 and before October 10, 2026 will be refunded less CHF 50 for administrative costs.
No refunds will be given after October 11, 2026. It is advisable to take out insurance in the event of a cancellation due to illness/accident.
Can I register on site?
We ask all participants to register for the conference in advance. This way we can plan the number of participants accordingly and organize the necessary catering.
If you arrive at the conference and need to register, please contact the SPS team at the registration table.
Where can I find guidelines and information on the poster presentations?
During the breaks there will be the opportunity to study the posters and, if present, interact with the authors of the posters and discuss their research with them. Under the section “Abstracts” you will find information on the guidelines for posters and the set-up and dismantling times.
Is there Wi-Fi throughout the congress?
Free Wi-Fi will be available throughout the venue during the conference.
To access the Wi-Fi, you must have a cell phone that can receive text messages in Switzerland.
When connecting for the first time:
- Turn on Wi-Fi and select the “public-chuv” network
- Enter your cell phone number and accept the terms and conditions
- Enter the code you received via text message to connect to the network
- This code is valid for ten days and can be used to connect to the “public-chuv” network from your phone, tablet, or laptop.