ABSTRACT In response to RFA-NS-24-015, we propose the University of Florida Partnerships Across Interdisciplinary Networks: Training through Engineering, epidemiology & Addiction Medicine (UF PAIN TEAM) - a T90/R90 interdisciplinary postdoctoral program designed to train the next generation of independent clinical pain researchers. Our UF PAIN TEAM training program is built on the unique strengths of our existing CTSI-developed team training model, adding a pain science emphasis to clinical pain research training and integrating traditional and non-traditional areas of pain research. We will also emphasize collaboration across the research continuum, and further expand the scope of interdisciplinary clinical pain research to include disciplines not traditionally represented in pain research. We will create a unique cohort experience by embedding authentic, collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences in team science into each trainee’s research, preparing them to conduct team science clinical pain research locally and across the broader HEAL PAIN Cohort Program. The proposed team training approach for clinical pain research combines authentic didactic and experiential training in team science; interdisciplinary mentoring that crosses academic barriers; scientific training across the entire biopsychosocial model of pain; and career development mentoring that crosses academic disciplines. We will provide extensive breadth and depth in training to i) 4 post-doctoral scientists (T90; PhD, Dual degree-PhD), and ii) 1 non-citizen, non-permanent resident clinically-trained PhD holder (R90), that are seeking advanced post- doctoral training in scientific areas designated as high priority by HEAL. These areas are pain across the lifespan, nonpharmacological interventions for pain, non-opioid pharmacological treatments for pain, effective interventions for pain and co-morbidities, impacts of social determinants of health on pain, and advancing health equity in pain. To accomplish our goals, expert program faculty will provide extensive team training experiences. Postdoctoral trainees will receive an initial commitment for appointments of two years, where 2 teams of trainees will work together and develop their own collaborative projects involving disciplines traditionally and not traditionally represented in clinical pain research. By implementing an integrated team training program, including didactic, research, and professional development activities, we will equip trainees with new skills, knowledge, and expertise to apply these skills in collaborative teams. We will also create a culture of responsible research conduct and professional excellence to ensure that trainees aspire to the high standards of scientific integrity and quality, which will set the tone for their future careers in clinical pain research. Finally, we will disseminate elements of our team training model regionally and nationally via interdisciplinary communities of traditional and non-traditional pain disciplines including the Annual HEAL PURPOSE Network. Collectively, these programs will produce highly skilled, collaborative, and interactive scientists who can engage in team science to generate new knowledge and translate discoveries to tangible advances in the prevention, treatment, and cure of chronic pain.

NARRATIVE Chronic pain represents a major public health problem, and an improved understanding of the biopsychosocial contributors to pain is critical to inform interventions aimed at pain prevention and treatment. At present, there is a need to bolster the dwindling clinical pain research workforce. To address this gap, we propose the University of Florida Partnerships Across Interdisciplinary Networks: Training through Engineering, epidemiology & Addiction Medicine (UF PAIN TEAM) with the long-term goal of creating the next generation of team-trained clinical pain scientists. Working in teams, the UF PAIN TEAM will move the pain field forward through cutting edge research designed to elucidate the causes and reduce the burden of pain.