One month ago, the newly-established Department of Anatomy officially opened its doors for the first time to celebrate World Anatomy Day 2025. This is a date of international significance in the Anatomy community, marking the ‘death day’ of the founder of modern anatomy, Andreas Vesalius. To mark this occasion, Anatomy@Edinburgh welcomed over 120 guests and University representatives to an evening event showcasing the very best of the department, including its historic locale, exhibitions in the Anatomical Museum and activities and crafts highlighting the cutting edge of anatomy teaching and research. Our image gallery below highlights some of the talks, activities, and feedback from the evening. The ‘main event’ was a pair of invited talks, delivered by Professor Gordon Findlater, His Majesty’s Inspector for Anatomy for Scotland, and Professor Tom Gillingwater, current Chair of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh. Professor Findlater explored the darker past of Anatomy from the days of Burke and Hare, through to the creation of the current Anatomy legislation and body donor programmes, that has seen us go from a sinister profession lurking in the shadows, to the foundational cornerstone of modern medical education. Professor Gillingwater then led us on an exploration of the current Anatomy department, and its role within the evolving Edinburgh Medical School. This included a look towards the future of Anatomy as it continues to grow and develop, but also centred the ongoing importance and reverence for those selfless individuals who choose to donate their bodies to medical education. The evening then concluded with a flurry of anatomy activities, discussion booths, museum visits (not to mention the wine reception!), where our guests could speak with both anatomy staff and students, and try their hand and various interactive exhibitions. The museum housed a series of interactive learning activities and a number of exclusive flash talks by the curatorial team, and there was a full ‘takeover’ of the East Lab by the Anatomy team. This included several activities from the Edinburgh ATLAS facility, looking at 3D printing and modelling in anatomy education, and a chance to try out some tissue engineering in East Labs with the Paxton Lab. On reflection, while this event was a long, complex process to organise, it also represented a truly outstanding evening – made so by the contributions of our knowledgeable student volunteers and dedicated staff and speakers taking time to develop and prepare their contributions. Even more though, the success of the evening was a result of the keen, curious and enthusiastic visitors – who gave up a chilly Friday evening to join us and explore the subject of anatomy, and the inner workings of the human body. I guess that means it’s time to start preparing for World Anatomy Day 2026, celebrating the 300th year of Edinburgh Medical School..! Hopefully we’ll see you there! Dr Stephen Maclean Senior Lecturer in Anatomy “An Evening in Anatomy” Lead Organiser Finally, if you wish to be updated about future Anatomy Activities, you can sign up to our Anatomy Mailing List by completing this short web-form: Anatomy Mailing List Web-Form Publication date 14 Nov, 2025
