Key Insights and Reflections from the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists 2026

Written by Elena Patera, Editor of the Anatomical Society’s monthly newsletter, Anastomosis

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), themed ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, which took place from the 13th to the 16th of August in Melbourne, Australia.

The pre-congress workshops held on the first day shared one overarching theme, making anatomy more practical, technologically enabled and accessible. Nine workshops were available, covering digital and AI-enhanced education, applied and living anatomy, educational communication and media, anatomy education research, advanced imaging and the use of 3D models to support equitable access.

On the evening of the first day, I attended the welcome reception, where fellow delegates and I had the opportunity to network while enjoying the amazing night-time views of Melbourne’s Yarra River and high-rise buildings.

During days 2–4 of the congress, several sessions were held across four main domains.

1. Anatomical Sciences Education

2. Anatomy for Everyone

3. Ethics, Law and Humanities

4. Surgery and Clinical Anatomy

I also attended Symposium #84, titled ‘Training the Trainer, Continuing Professional Development in Anatomy Education’, chaired by Dr Hannah Shaw, Professor Tracey Wilkinson, Dr Kat Sanders and Dr Lauren Clunie.

During this symposium, we considered a key question: What knowledge and skills should be included in an anatomy education curriculum to prepare educators in anatomical sciences, ethics, professionalism and governance, educational research and scholarship, and effective teaching practice?

We were assigned to groups consisting of delegates with varying levels of teaching experience and expertise. Each group was asked to discuss and rank the knowledge and skills considered important for inclusion in an anatomy education curriculum across four categories:

1. Anatomy knowledge, including gross anatomy, histology, embryology, clinically applied anatomy, imaging and dissection skills

2. Ethics, professionalism and governance

3. Educational research and scholarship, including research ethics and quantitative and qualitative research methods

4. Anatomical education, including teaching approaches, the use of technology, learning theories and reflective practice

There was considerable overlap in the knowledge and skills that delegates considered important, although individual priorities differed according to each delegate’s professional background and educational qualifications.

We also had the opportunity to learn how anatomy organisations, including the Anatomical Society and the American Association for Anatomy, support anatomy educators throughout their academic journey. It is not uncommon for anatomy educators to enter academia and begin teaching anatomy after completing anatomy-related courses or gaining clinical experience, but without formal training in teaching. Examples of such support include the Anatomy Training Programme (ATP), which allows anatomy educators to enhance their anatomical knowledge of the entire human body, practise their dissection skills and reflect on their learning.

Another challenge discussed during the symposium was how anatomy educators may enter academia without receiving training in pedagogy or in conducting educational research using quantitative or qualitative methods. The Education Committee of the Anatomical Society helps address this challenge by running online webinars. During these webinars, anatomy educators with experience in pedagogical research cover key areas and provide guidance to help colleagues with less experience get started in educational research. Furthermore, financial support provided to members by anatomy societies and organisations, such as the Symington Bequest Travel Fund, which the Society kindly awarded me, also gives anatomy educators the opportunity to attend conferences and congresses. Attending workshops, listening to presentations and learning about the work of fellow anatomists help us build the knowledge and confidence needed to engage in pedagogical research

The main take-home messages I gained from the congress are the following:

• After attending Symposium #74, ‘Addressing the Needs of Global Challenges in Attaining Ethically Sourced Bodies, Are There Alternate Frameworks as Practical Solutions?’, the main take-home message was that ethics is not black and white, and we need to become more comfortable navigating the grey areas.

• After listening to an enlightening plenary talk titled ‘Anatomy, Racial Scientism and Eugenics in Australia’, I reflected on the importance of developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy as AI becomes increasingly integrated into higher education. We must remain mindful of how AI models are trained, whose data they use and how they may perpetuate scientific racism in new forms.

• A shared view was that anatomy is for everyone. However, access to education and opportunities is not equal. When geography can define a person’s future, what can we, as anatomists and educators, do to help address these inequalities?

Overall, one common feature I continue to observe across regional, national and international anatomy conferences and congresses is how driven anatomy educators are to make a meaningful impact on their students and change the world for the better. Their passion for teaching, learning and research is reflected in the excellent initiatives they develop, a shared trait among anatomy educators, irrespective of where in the world they come from! I am grateful to the Anatomical Society for supporting my attendance at this congress, which provided me with a valuable opportunity to expand my knowledge, present my work, build professional networks and further my professional development.

Education Committee

Teaching Tip of the Month

'Understanding human development with the aid of the Human Developmental Biology Resource Atlas'

Written by : Robert H. Anderson from Newcastle University

Quite some time ago, in a similar “teaching tip”, Michelle Welsh, along with two student interns from the University of Glasgow, emphasised the value of virtual histology. I can fully appreciate the challenges they described when the microscope was used to provide cellular details. But it is a long since I first studied human anatomy. At that time, in 1960, anatomy occupied a great proportion of the 2nd MB curriculum. Multiple lectures were devoted to human development, but it was a difficult subject to grasp. Having become proficient, by the 1980’s, in the understanding of human cardiac anatomy, my colleague and I, in an inflammatory article, suggested that, when seeking to understand maldevelopment of the heart, the accounts of normal development then available were a hindrance rather than a help. Major changes have now forced me to eat my words. These changes are now available to all thanks to the emergence of the Human Developmental Biology Resource Atlas.

I have used the resource primarily to underscore my ongoing investigations into cardiac development. I was unaware of the extent of its Atlas until seeking to provide this recommendation for its use. It is truly remarkable. It is arguable that the content of the Atlas is far too great for those wishing to learn no more than the basics of human development, but everything within the Atlas is presented in user-friendly fashion. The proof of the pudding will, of course, be in the eating. Those using the site will themselves be able to judge whether my own appreciation is based on my own prior knowledge. For starters, however, the neophyte can first get to grips with the stages of human development by browsing the models that show the stages described long since by those working in the Carnegie Institute in USA. The models themselves extend beyond the end of the embryonic stage, where Carnegie stops, and continue into the fetal stages, which are equally well-illustrated. It is then a relatively easy matter to progress to the models provided for all the important systems of organs. Those who by this time are hooked can proceed to examine the e-histology sections. If not exhausted by this time, they can continue by exploring the section of the Atlas containing models of the developing organs. Detailed information is provided relative to the formation of the cardiovascular system, the eye, the gastrointestinal tract, the inner ear, the nervous system, the pituitary gland, and the urogenital system. In their recommendation of the system providing virtual histology, Michelle Welsh and her interns were able to point to overwhelming positive feedback. I can do no more than offer my own opinion. I wish the resource had been available when I was learning the rudiments of human development.

The Anatomical Society Prize Winner 2025

Congratulations to Emeritus Professor John Morris for being awarded the Anatomical Society Prize 2025!

Professor John Morriss is an Emeritus Professor of Human Anatomy in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. His career as a leading British anatomist and neuroendocrinologist has been marked by major contributions to both anatomical science and medical education. His research interests throughout his career have been in structural studies in neuroendocrinology, especially vasopressin and oxytocin. His work demonstrated that peptide hormones are released by exocytosis, overturning earlier assumptions about molecular dispersion. He later identified how steroid hormones rapidly trigger peptide release from magnocellular dendrites - findings that have influenced modern neuroendocrinology. Alongside his research, Professor Morris is also deeply committed to education in functional and clinical anatomy and his impact and legacy is reflected by the different roles he served and awards he won. He served as Director of Preclinical Studies from 2004 to 2010 and is widely recognised for his exceptional teaching. His contributions were honoured with the Medical Sciences Division Lifetime Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence, reflecting his long-standing impact on generations of Oxford medical students. He is also co-author of the Oxford Textbook of Functional Anatomy, a foundational multi-volume resource for anatomical teaching. Professor Morris has played an important role in scientific leadership, serving as Chairman of the British Society of Neuroendocrinology and President of the Anatomical Society. He was also elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of medical Sciences in 2001.

Photo: Emeritus Professor John Morris receiving his award medal from the Anatomical Society President, Professor Abigail Tucker, at the Summer Meeting 2026, Bristol.

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 congratulate and latest recipients of the society's funding awards and provide you with the reports of the successful endeavours of recent awardees.

The Barclay-Smith Travelling Fund Recipients

The Anatomical Society awards the Barclay-Smith Travelling Fund to AS members to support their attendance at the Anatomical Society Winter or Summer meetings. Congratulations to our most recent awardee! 

2025/26 Round 5

Ms Emily Green - to participate in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. 14th to 16th December 2026.

Anatomical Society Symington Bequest Travel Fund

The Trustees of the Symington Bequest Fund make grants to Society Members towards costs associated with the conduction and dissemination of anatomical research. Please see below the reports from some of our most recent awardees!

2025/2026 Round 2

Dr Eiman Abdel Meguid participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT

Dr Mutahira Lone participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT

Dr Munesh Khamuani participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT

Dr Sourav Bhattacharjee participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT

2025/2026 Round 3

Ms Jemima Chukwu participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT Photo

2025/2026 Round 4

Dr Shane Browne participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT

Professor Kieran McDermott participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), ‘Anatomy for Everyone’, Melbourne, Australia, 13th to 16th August 2026. REPORT

Anatomical Society Public Engagement and Outreach Awards Reports

The Council of the Anatomical Society launched this initiative in June 2018 to support the public engagement and outreach activities of members of the Society in the field of Anatomy. Congratulations to our most recent awardees!

Year 2025/2026

Round 5

Awardee: Dr Megan Kruskie

Institution: University of Aberdeen

Event Dates: A two-part event: 27th September 2026 in Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen and 15th October 2026 at the Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen

Activity Title: ‘Celebrating World Anatomy Day 2026 – Anatomy for Everyone’

Awardee: Dr Marta Perera Perez

Institution: Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London

Event Date: 17th October 2026

Activity Title: ‘Dry Mouth Dialogues’ – A patient/researcher/clinician collaborative workshop

Awardee: Dr Rebecca Quinn

Institution: University of Sunderland, at the Fire Station Sunderland

Event Date:18th October 2026

Activity Title: ‘Discover Anatomy Day’ to showcase anatomy to school children and the public across Sunderland to raise aspirations with regards to studying medicine etc. Part of a series of events with a wide variety of staff and student volunteers to deliver a programme of events centred around World Anatomy Day.

Anatomical Society Departmental Seminar Grants

The Anatomical Society awards grants to provide financial support to visiting speakers for seminars. Congratulations to the latest recipient of this award! Below is also a report from a recent awardee.

2025/26 Round 2

Award Holder: Dr Ourania Varsou

Hosted By: University of Glasgow

Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026 

Key Speaker: Dr Eiman Abdel-Meguid, Queen’s University Belfast

REPORT Poster

2025/26 Round 5

Award Holder: Dr Gwenllian Tawy

Hosted By: University of Manchester

Date: 23 November 2026

Key Speaker: Ms Joanna Cameron, Medical and Scientific Artist

Event: Creative Body project – Medical Art Seminar

New Fellows of the Anatomical Society

Following the September 2026 Council, the Anatomical Society is happy to announce that the following individuals have received the Anatomical Society Fellowship!  Many congratulations to our most recent AS fellows!

Round 5 (Elected by 09.09.26 Council):

• Dr Chun Guo

• Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka

• Dr Alana Sharp

Dr Sophie Miller Memorial Prize Awardee Report

Dr Sophie Miller Memorial Prize Lecture 2026 awardee Ms Lauren Barrett, University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, delivered a talk titled 'Uncovering the potential of SKOR1 as a novel therapeutic target for Parkinson’s Disease’ at the Anatomical Society Summer Meeting, 15th to 17th July 2026, hosted by the University of Bristol.

Parkinson’s Disease is a common brain disorder that affects the coordination of movements. It is a progressive disease caused by an excess of a misfolded protein known as α-Synuclein causing the death of dopamine producing neurons, and there is currently no cure. SKOR1 is a protein that has previously been shown to be present at higher levels in experimental models of Parkinson’s Disease. We have found that reducing the levels of SKOR1 in laboratory models of Parkinson’s Disease protect against the damage caused by the α-Synuclein protein. We also know that aging is a major risk factor for Parkinson’s Disease, so we are using mice at various ages to examine the expression of SKOR1, α-Synuclein and related proteins in dopamine producing neurons across the lifespan as they age. Together, we hope that this work will bring us closer to discovering a new treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. 

Report

New Fellow of the Year Award

The Anatomical Society will present a New Fellow of the Year Award to the Fellow of the Anatomical Society who has demonstrated the most significant accomplishments relative to their career stage. The New Fellow of the Year will be selected from those elected to Fellowship during the previous academic year. Congratulations to Professor Emerita Helen Nicholson for being selected as the soceity's New Fellow of the Year!

PhD Studentship International Conference Reports

Anatomical Society PhD students are funded to present their work at one international conference during their PhD studies. Please read below the approved report from AS-funded PhD Student Ms Lauren Barrett!

PhD Studentships - International Conference Reports 2026

Ms Lauren Barrett participated in the 22nd Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists 2026, August 13-16th, Melbourne, Australia.

REPORT  Photo

Anatomical Society Undergraduate Awards 2025/26 

Please see below the approved report for one of the society's undergraduate awards for academic year 2025/2026

Applicant: Dr Ian Woods

Institution: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

Student: Ms Laoise McAuley

Project Title: Flexi-Stim: Flexible Electrodes with Anatomical Shape Memory for Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation

Project Resume

Project

Upcoming Anatomical Society General Meeting Council 

The Annual General Meeting of the Anatomical Society will be held on Tuesday 15th December 2026 at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland during the Society’s Winter Meeting, 14th to 16th December 2026.

Exact time of the AGM will be announced later.

Upcoming Conferences

Anatomical Society Winter Meeting

2026  

The Anatomical Society is pleased to announce that the Winter Meeting 2026 will take place between 14th-16th December 2026, at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Pearse Street D02R590, and at the Anatomy Building D02PN40, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. The theme of the meeting is 'Skin and Bone'

This proposed meeting of the Anatomical Society will explore the themes of Skin and Bone, emphasising the structural, functional, and immunological interplay between the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems.

Scientific sessions will showcase innovative research from across Ireland to include skin and bone, orthopaedics, tissue engineering, immunology, and general anatomyspanning topics from microanatomy and development to immune function in tissue homeostasis, repair, pedagogy and disease. Invited lectures from leading researchers will highlight the translational relevance of tissue engineering and surgery.

The meeting will also include satellite workshops focused on the growing need for dialog around anatomy collections and their legacy, and the role of virtual dissection and AI in contemporary medical education. The meeting will also feature a visit to the Anatomy Museum and Lecture Theatre first established in 1825.

The conference dinner will celebrate Irish tradition, providing an opportunity for delegates to experience local cuisine. Hosted at TCD, the meeting will benefit from a central, accessible location in a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant academic environment, and international connectivity.

Other highlights include
Pre-conference: 
•    Exploring the Future of Anatomy Education Through the Lens of AI
•    TBF: How to publish in Anatomy and JoA

Tour: Anatomy museum and Old Anatomy Lecture Theatre. Invited Keynotes and speakers include: Prof Fergal O’ Brien (Royal College of Surgeons Ireland), Dr Eimear Dolan (University of Galway), Prof Desmond Tobin (University College Dublin), Prof Sarah Snelling (University of Oxford), Prof David Hoey (Trinity College Dublin), Dr Eoin O' Cearbhaill (University College Dublin), Prof Claire Smith (University of Sussex), more to follow.

The Anatomical Society Young Investigator Oral Presentation Prize will be awarded at this meeting. See website for more details: https://www.anatsoc.org.uk/grants-prizes/prizes/young-investigator-prize/

Further details about the conference can be found on our website: https://www.anatsoc.org.uk/annual-events/anatomical-society-winter-meeting-2026/