01/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2025 15:59
Dr Jerin Mathew who has received an international award for his research.
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.
Dr Jerin Mathew measuring brainwaves in his study aimed at managing neuropathic pain.
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.
Jerin will explore the feasibility and clinical value of this novel therapy.
"Many individuals do not achieve lasting relief from existing pain treatment, and current therapies often come with significant side effects. This therapy may offer hope for better pain management for the one in five New Zealand adults suffering chronic pain."
Jerin is part of various interdisciplinary research programmes, including the Pain@Otago Research Theme, Otago Pain Mechanisms and Neuromodulation (OPaMEN) Research Programme and Point-of-Care Technologies at the University of Otago.
"This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of a diverse and incredible team of colleagues and mentors, including Associate Professor Ramakrishnan Mani (School of Physiotherapy), Associate Professor Yusuf Cakmak (Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences), Professor Dirk De Ridder (Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine), and Dr Divya Adhia (Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine)," Jerin says.
Jerin joined the Department of Anatomy in 2023 after completing his PhD at Otago in 2022.
He teaches across various health professional programmes, including Medicine, Physiotherapy, and the Postgraduate Surgical Anatomy Programme, and supervises postgraduate research students in anatomy, medicine, and neuroscience programmes.
He also contributes to the Postgraduate Pain and Pain Management Programmes in Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch.
KÅrero by Claire Grant, Communications Advisor, School of Biomedical Sciences