Pain often resolves on its own, but for some individuals, it can progress into persistent and intractable chronic pain. Chronic pain is a leading reason adults in the U.S. seek medical care, and globally, about one in five people experience chronic, treatment-resistant pain. While certain characteristics of pain have been linked to specific brain processes, our understanding of chronic pain remains limited. The Human Brain Function Laboratory was established in August 2018 with support from the Brain Institute and the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia. This collaborative initiative brings together pain scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to advance pain research and develop innovative treatments for patients with intractable chronic pain.