Neuroscientist Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, headline speaker at ANZCA meeting
One of the world’s leading experts in pain and consciousness research, Professor Irene Tracey, will headline the 2026 Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) Symposium in Auckland.
The Professor of Anaesthetic Neuroscience, appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford in 2023, will present several sessions at the meeting which starts on Saturday 2 May exploring how brain imaging is transforming our understanding of pain and consciousness.
Her sessions include The science of consciousness, My life as a pain neuroscientist and academic leader, and Innovative science leads to novel solutions for pain — topics that sit at the intersection of anaesthesia, neuroscience and patient care.
For the past 25 years Professor Tracey has led pioneering research into how the brain constructs and modulates the experience of pain. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, her work has provided critical insights into how injury, cognition, mood and context shape both acute and chronic pain.
Her research has also significantly advanced our understanding of how anaesthetic agents alter consciousness, a key area of interest for anaesthetists worldwide.
“Professor Tracey’s work is transforming the way we understand pain, not just as a symptom, but as a complex and dynamic brain process,” ANZCA President Professor David Story says.
“Her research is helping to reshape clinical thinking, from how we assess pain to how we develop new treatments, and is highly relevant to anaesthetists, pain medicine specialists and the broader medical community.”
As head of the Pain Analgesia-Anaesthesia Imaging Neuroscience (P.A.I.N) Group at Oxford, Professor Tracey and her team are at the forefront of efforts to translate neuroscience into real-world clinical outcomes. The group’s work is contributing to improved pain management strategies and informing the development of new therapies.
Importantly, her research is also shedding light on why some patients develop chronic pain while others recover, identifying potential mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability within the central nervous system.
The ANZCA ASM at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (2-5 May) and FPM Symposium (1 May) at the JW Marriott Auckland bring together anaesthesia specialists and trainees, scientists and clinical researchers from across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US to share knowledge, explore emerging evidence and address key challenges in anaesthesia, pain medicine and perioperative care.
The 2026 meeting has attracted more than 1800 delegates and features a broad scientific program covering patient safety, workforce challenges, innovations in clinical practice and advances in perioperative medicine.
The FPM Symposium will focus on contemporary issues in pain medicine, including new approaches to understanding and managing chronic pain — an area of growing importance given its significant impact on individuals, health systems and society.
“Events like the ASM and FPM Symposium are critical in ensuring our fellows remain at the forefront of clinical excellence,” Professor Story says.
“They provide an opportunity to engage with world-leading experts, share experiences and strengthen the connections that underpin high-quality patient care.”
The meeting also highlights ANZCA’s ongoing commitment to advancing education, research and standards in anaesthesia and pain medicine across Australia and New Zealand.
