MNPARC retreats bring together an exceptional mix of basic scientists, human researchers, clinicians, and trainees from within the University of Minnesota and other research institutions to tackle the complex relationship between pain and alcohol. MNPARC retreats cultivate a vibrant community united by a shared goal: advancing innovative, impactful research at the intersection of chronic pain and alcohol use. 

Upcoming Symposium on Pain and Alcohol (SPA) Retreat 

Join us at our next SPA retreat in Spring 2027 in Minneapolis, MN!

To help us plan the next retreat, an interest form was emailed to prior SPA participants and attendees on April 16, 2026. Please contact Dr. Jeff Boissoneault if you did not receive it and would like to provide input.

2024 Retreat

SPA day (Symposium of Pain and Alcohol) with MNPARC

Sponsored by the Medical Discovery Team on Addiction and the Department of Anesthesiology

June 22, 2024, Minneapolis, MN

Join us for a SPA day! The goal of SPA is to provide a meeting place for the growing alcohol and pain research community and to increase opportunities for new collaborations. Alcohol researchers who are interested in learning more about how pain may intersect with their specific areas of research are welcome to attend. The theme of this inaugural meeting is Bridging Preclinical and Clinical/Translational Research on Alcohol and Pain.