Dr. Kirsty Bannister

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Kirsty Bannister. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Kirsty Bannister is an Associate Professor in Pain Neuroscience at Imperial College London, where she serves as the Principal Investigator of the Central Modulation Pain laboratory, established in 2017. Her research aims to bridge the gap between pre-clinical (bench) and clinical (bedside) pain research, focusing on the physiological processes underlying sensation and pain, including nociception. The lab has made significant contributions to the understanding of pathophysiological changes related to chronic pain, identifying novel targets for analgesia. Dr. Bannister is dedicated to translating basic science research observations into clinical applications, specifically examining spinal and brain nociceptive circuits. Her work is recognized in the field, with awards including the 2023 British Pain Society Patrick D. Wall award and the 2017 European Pain Federation Publication Prize. In addition to her research, she holds editorial roles for journals such as Pain Reports and the European Journal of Pain, and participates actively in academic citizenship as the Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee for the IASP World Pain Congress 2026.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor, Pain Neuroscience

2025-01-01 — Present

Imperial College London • London, United Kingdom

Leading research in pain neuroscience.

Associate Professor, Pain Neuroscience

2020-09-01 — 2024-12-31

King's College London • United Kingdom

Conducted research on pain neuroscience.

Assistant Professor, Pain Neuroscience

2017-10-01 — 2020-08-31

King's College London • United Kingdom

Supported research initiatives in pain neuroscience.

Awards

#

British Pain Society Patrick D. Wall award

#

International Association Study of Pain Patrick D. Wall award

#

European Pain Federation Publication Prize

Requirements for Imperial College London

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Materials Science Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Physics Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Personal statement
  • CV/resume
  • Official university transcripts
  • Two academic or professional references
  • Application fee (£90)
Specialization Notes

Specialisms available in Materials for the Energy Transition or Theory and Simulation of Materials.