Nigel Bunnett
Professor and Chair
Department of Molecular Pathobiology, NYU College of Dentistry
PhD
Institute of Animal Physiology, Darwin College, University of Cambridge UK, 1981
BSc (Hons) - Animal Physiology & Nutrition
University of Leeds UK, 1978
Contact information
Research
Activities
Nigel W. Bunnett is a basic scientist studying the signaling mechanisms of chronic pain. Whereas acute pain is a protective mechanism that is necessary for survival, chronic pain follows injury and disease and is a major cause of suffering. The mechanisms of chronic pain remain poorly understood. Consequently, treatments for chronic pain are ineffective in many patients or have unacceptable side-effects, illustrated by the opioid crisis. Nigel's laboratory seeks to understand why acute pain becomes chronic, and aims to develop new therapies for chronic pain without detrimental side effects of opioids. His research is relevant to pain associated with injury, inflammatory diseases and cancer.