Leading pain specialist Professor Chris Vaughan is stepping down after a career spanning close to three decades. As a principal hospital scientist, Chris has successfully juggled roles as a researcher, mentor and educator at Royal North Shore Hospital, the Kolling Institute and the University of Sydney.
(Excerpts from article in NSLHD News, Oct 2025)
He has had a profound impact on the field of pain research, advancing our understanding of the mechanisms that control pain, and cannabinoid actions in the brain. In recent years, Chris and his lab-based team within the Kolling Institute have investigated how the brain’s own cannabis neurotransmitter systems control pain, and how this can support the treatment of pain.
Colleague A/Prof Karin Aubrey explained “Chris’ influence extends far beyond the lab. Many of his mentees have gone on to become neuroscience researchers, medical doctors, and professionals across all levels of the health sector – and one became a winemaker.”
emphasises listening to the person in pain and working with them to design an effective self-management approach. The program also equips health professionals with the skills to assess when medications may be helpful and how to combine them with self-management in a care plan created together with the person in pain.
In his closing remarks, Professor Vaughan acknowledged to the significant financial support his department had received from the Pain Foundation and the Philip Bushell Foundation.
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