Joshua W. Pate

A new children’s book has arrived!

“Now is the time to

address the burden of

long-term pain in children.”

Zoe and Zak’s Pain Hacks Book Series 1-5

Each of the 5 children’s books for primary schoolers explores a key learning outcome of pain science education. Plus, we have built an online portal too – with free activities for kids, parents, clinicians and teachers!

About me

I am very curious about that feeling we call “pain”. As a pain researcher at UTS, I’m working to unravel pain’s mysteries. Through rigorous scientific research and engaging educational resources, my goal is to empower everyone to understand the latest science.

I think there is great value in unraveling what people think about pain. Research shows that it matters. Working with a brilliant international team I developed the Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) and we published it in 2020. Since then the tool has been translated and tested in a range of ages and languages.

With a passion for making learning more accessible, I am determined to bring the science of pain to everyone. I dream of a future where understanding pain is as accessible as education about recycling, smoking and seatbelts. I get to work with so many wonderful people and brilliant minds as we try to make that a reality for the next generation.

By day, I try to inspire postgrad students at university, and by night, I try to create learning resources (like children’s books and online animations). Join me to change the way we think about pain and health, and to make the latest science accessible to all.

Online Animations

My first TED-Ed video is about the ‘map in your brain’. The fascinating science of phantom limbs has had hundreds of thousands of views. Didn’t the animators do an excellent job?! This video features in week two of the evidence-based multidisciplinary pain management program that I co-led as a senior physiotherapist.

My second TED-Ed video is about pain, injuries, and nociception (and all of their mysteries!). The mysterious science of pain has had millions of views. How cool is that! There are many very encouraging stories of how this video is used as a conversation-starter in clinics, university courses, public education programs, waiting rooms, research studies and school projects. Please let me know if this video has impacted you, I find that feedback very encouraging!

One Thing

I also co-founded One Thing – a video platform of brief interviews answering the question: “What’s one thing you want people challenged by pain to know?

We’ve now released four seasons of interviews. We have some surprises planned for Season 5 which will premiere in 2025!

.

My research can be found via:

Joshua Pate's UTS Researcher profile

.


.

.

Contact Dr Joshua W. Pate

Please use this form to contact me and I will respond via email.