Editor Elena Patera
Welcome to the December issue of Anastomosis. In this issue, we bring you the latest news from our members and from the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell.
If you have any news, events or announcements that you would like to see published in the newsletter, please send us an email by the 20th of each month. Items should reach the editor a minimum of 30 days before the date that the event is scheduled to take place. Please remember that you can visit our News Page at any time for the very latest news.
Paper of the Month
Challenge, integration, and change: ChatGPT and future anatomical education.
Leng L. Challenge, integration, and change: ChatGPT and future anatomical education. Med Educ Online. 2024 Dec 31;29(1):2304973. https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2024.2304973
Review by Dr Ourania Varsou from the University of Glasgow.
This article examines the accelerating integration of ChatGPT into anatomical and wider medical education, outlining its pedagogical value, functional limitations and implications for future curriculum reform. The two infographics below summarise ChatGPT’s main benefits and drawbacks as discussed in this paper.
Overall, this article positions ChatGPT not as a replacement for educators, but as a catalyst for pedagogical transformation. The author argues that its value lies in thoughtful integration, continuous evaluation and responsible adoption.
Would you like to tell the AS membership about your 'Tip of the Month', 'Anatomy Education Paper of the Month' or 'Anatomy Resource of the Month'?
We are looking for contributors who would be willing to write a short review on a 'Tip of the Month', 'Anatomy Education Paper of the Month' or 'Anatomy Resource of the Month. If you would like to contribute to an upcoming issue of Anastomosis, and join our bank of contributors please complete this form and we will be in touch!
Congratulations to the Latest Recipients of Anatomical Society Funding
If you would like to know more about how the Anatomical Society Funds our members, please see our full prize and funding matrix here. This month we would like to provide you with the reports of the successful endeavours of our recent awardees.
The Symington Bequest Fund Award Recipients
The Trustees of the Symington Bequest Fund make grants to Society Members towards costs associated with anatomical research. Congratulations to our recent awardees!
Round 1 2025/2026
Dr Hazel Allardyce - to participate in the 5th International Scientific Congress on Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Budapest, Hungary, 11th to 14th March 2026.
Dr Alaa Alshwayyat - to participate in the 5th International Scientific Congress on Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Budapest, Hungary, 11th to 14th March 2026.
Ms Jessica Antill - to participate in the 13th International Interim Meeting on Plastination, the 7th International Congress on Anatomical Techniques and the 5th IW Workshop on Plastination, Universidad De La Frontera, Temuco , Chile, 1st to 5th December 2025.
Dr Miranda Steacy - to participate in the Gordon Research Conference and Seminar: Morphogenesis and Tissue Regeneration, Ventura, California, USA, 21st to 27th March 2026.
The Barclay Smith Travelling Fund Award Recipients
The Anatomical Society awards grants to its members towards costs associated with attending AS meetings. Congratulations to our latest awardees!
Round 1 of 2025/2026
Mr Joe Gough - to participate in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, 17th to 19th December 2025.
Ms Katie Kurth - to participate in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, 17th to 19th December 2025.
Ms Katie Mill - to participate in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, 17th to 19th December 2025.
Ms Sharmila Rajendran - to participate in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, 17th to 19th December 2025.
Ms Avanthika Sivakumar - to participate in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, 17th to 19th December 2025.
Anatomical Society Departmental Seminar Grants Recipients
Award Holder: Dr Zubeyde Bayram-Weston
Hosted by: University of Swansea
Date: 30th April 2026
Key Speaker: Dr Andrew O’Malley, University of St Andrews
Event Topic: In-person Seminar - Best Practices in Medical Education with a focus on generative AI in Anatomy and Health Professions Education
Award Holder: Dr Mutahira Lone
Hosted by: University College Cork, Ireland
Date: 19th February 2026
Key Speaker: Professor Iain Keenan, Newcastle University
Event Topic: Hybrid Seminar Exploring 3D Anatomy: Supporting Spatial Conceptualisation through Digital Visualisation and Art -based learning
Support for Students Societies
The society supports anatomy student societies for organising an invited speaker and/or organising a seminar. Congratulations to our latest recipient!
Awarded to: Mr Luca De Flammineis, Cambridge University Surgical Society
Institution: University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine,
Event Title and Date: The National Anatomy Competition 2026, 10am on 21st March 2026
Location: Human Anatomy Centre, Downing Site, University of Cambridge
Fellowship of the Anatomical Society
The fellowship of the Anatomical Society is a public recognition awarded to individuals for their achievements in research, education and service in the anatomical sciences. Congratulations to our latest recipients of the Anatomical Society Fellowship!
Round 1 (elected by 27.11.25 Council)
Dr Scott Ian Abbott Paterson
Dr Marcela Bezdickova
Professor Anna Lysakowski
Janet Philp
Public Engagement and Outreach Grants
The Anatomical Society's public engagement and outreach grants support the public engagement and outreach activities of members of the Society in the field of Anatomy. Below we provide the report of a recent awardee!
Round 6
Awardee: Dr Mutahira Lone
Institution: University College Cork, Ireland
Event dates: 22nd October 2025
Activity Title: Inside Anatomy: A Virtual Reality Journey
Anatomical Society Undergraduate Awards 2024/25
Applicant: Dr Hannah Swainson
Institution: University of Newcastle
Student: Mr Joseph Gough
Project Title: Design and creation of an intra-operative video atlas as a learning tool to enhance the development and retention of medical students’ anatomical understanding and highlight the relevance of anatomy to clinical practice
Applicant: Dr Helen Dodson
Institution: University of Galway, Ireland
Student: Ms Anandita Mariappan
Project Title: Analysis of DNA damage response mouse keratinocytes lacking Rac1
Deadlines for next round for Receipt of Applications
Award application deadline date for round 2 of the 2025/2026 award year:
- Symington Bequest
- Barclay Smith Travelling Fund
- Fellowship of the Anatomical Society
- Public Engagement and Outreach
- Departmental Seminar Awards
Deadline: 17.02.2026
Award application deadline date for round 2 of the 2025/2026 award year:
- Support for Student Societies
Deadline: 03.02.2025
N.B: For academic year 2025/2026 onwards, there will only be 5 prize rounds and council meetings.
Anatomy Research Development Award 2025/2026
The Anatomical Society Council is pleased to announce the 2025/26, 'Anatomy Research Development Award' aimed at researchers in the early stages of their academic careers.
Applications are currently being invited from eligible researchers to commence in 2026.
The closing date for applications is midnight 31st December 2025.
Further details can be found here
Anatomical Society Best Image Prize Recipients
Congratulations to the recipients of the Anatomical Society Best Image Prize (October 2025)!
Best Image Award (Artwork Category)
Dr Shilpi Gupta Dixit (Lead Author) and Dr Sarthak Gupta
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Image Title |
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Description |
An anatomical heart, adorned with mandalas, is poised for flight with wings symbolizing the lungs. This cardiopulmonary metaphor is anchored by a clock in the right ventricle, marking the precious, finite beats of life. |
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Submission Date |
31.10.25 |
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Name(s) of LEAD submitting author(s ) who must be members of the Anatomical Society and institution(s) |
Dr Shilpi Gupta Dixit All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur |
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Name(s) of Other submitting author(s ) and institution(s) |
Dr Sarthak Gupta All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur |
Best Image Award (Scientific Category)
Dr Rebecca Rolfe (Lead Author) and Ms Sarah Hennigan
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Image Title |
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Description
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Transverse histological view of a thoracic vertebra from an embryonic chick, stained to show cartilage (blue) and collagen (red/ pink). Spinal ligaments are stained dark red positioned adjacent to muscle, symmetrically connecting rib cartilage to vertebral processes. This approach provides opportunity to examine the maturation of spinal tissues during development. |
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Submission Date |
Prior to 31.10.25 |
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Name(s) of LEAD submitting author(s ) who must be members of the Anatomical Society and institution(s) |
Dr Rebecca Rolfe Trinity College Dublin, Ireland |
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Name(s) of Other submitting author(s ) and institution(s) |
Ms Sarah Hennigan Trinity College Dublin, Ireland |
Upcoming Conferences
21st Trans-European Pedagogic Anatomy Research Group Hybrid Meeting
Saturday 7th of March 2026
Dear colleagues,
You are cordially invited to the 21st Annual Trans-European Pedagogic Anatomy Research Group (TEPARG) Meeting.
Details of how to attend, register, and submit abstracts for the meeting are provided below, as well as several incentives that may encourage you to join us in Lisbon!
TEPARG 2026
- Date and Time: Saturday March 07, 2026, 10am-5pm CET
- Location: NOVA University, Lisbon, Portugal and via Microsoft Teams
- Theme: Visualisation in Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy Education.
- Keynote: Professor Paul Rea, Professor of Digital and Anatomical Education, University of Glasgow, UK
Abstract and Registration - Deadline Monday January 19 2026
- Register: Free registration here: TEPARG 2026 Registration
- Abstracts: Submit abstract(s) here: TEPARG 2026 Abstract Submission
- Decisions and Agenda: by Friday January 30, 2026.
Incentives
- Funding Awards: Prizes for best junior/student presentations
- Meeting Certificates: Will be awarded to all presenters and all in-person attendees
- Book Chapters: Opportunities for your abstract/presented work to be published as a chapter in International Anatomical Education
- Meals and Social Events: You can register for TEPARG 2026 events by selecting the relevant options in our registration form: TEPARG 2026 Registration
- Visit Lisbon: See the foot of this message for our extensive list of beautiful and cultural locations and events to visit in Lisbon.
- Accommodation: You can find hotels near NOVA Medical School here: Book your Stay.
- Students: We are also currently checking the availability and prices for cheaper student accommodation at NOVA University. We will provide further details in due course.
22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), 13th-16th August 2026, Melbourne, Australia
Call for Abstracts NOW open!
The call for abstracts is now open!
This is an opportunity to share our work, insights, and innovations with a global audience of colleagues and thought leaders in anatomy and related fields, including:
- Anatomical Sciences Education
- Surgical and Clinical Anatomy
- Imaging Anatomy
- Neuroscience and Cell Biology
- Ethics and Law
- Anatomy for Everyone, including Biological Anthropology, Forensics, Histology, Developmental Anatomy/Embryology
Submission Deadline: 14 February 2026
Submit your abstract and learn more: https://ifaa2026.org/en-AU/pages/program/call-for-abstracts
Journal of Anatomy
For a summary of many of the published articles check out @JournalofAnat. As a member of the Anatomical Society you have access to these articles and to the Journal of Anatomy through Wiley Online Library.
Access the journal here.
The cover image for the latest issue is from a paper by Bruner et al. titled 'Morphological variations and cortical atrophy of the precuneus in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease'.
The study aimed to compare how the precuneus changes with normal aging versus Alzheimer’s disease using shape and sulcal‐spacing analyses. It found that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with atrophy in the inferior/ventral precuneus, while normal aging mainly shows widening in superior/posterior regions, but with large individual variability and overlap between groups.
Access the paper here
The cover image for the journal's December issue is shown below
Aging Cell
Aging Cell is a bi-monthly peer-reviewed, open access journal that aims to publish the highest quality, innovative research addressing fundamental issues in the biology of aging. We would like to remind you that our colleagues Aging Cell are now back on Twitter and sharing exciting news and updates on articles from their journal. Please give them a follow @aging_cell
Access the journal here: Aging Cell
The cover image for the latest issue is from a paper by Xinying Zeng et al. titled 'Matrix Stiffness Promotes DRP1-Mediated Myofibroblast Senescence to Drive Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis'.
The study aimed to determine how increasing lung-matrix stiffness contributes to myofibroblast behavior in silicosis. It showed that stiff matrices trigger DRP1-dependent mitochondrial stress and senescence in myofibroblasts, whose secretions further drive fibrosis, effects that can be mitigated by the antioxidant MitoQ10.
Access the paper here
The cover image for the journal's December issue is shown below.
