Why the wonderful world of anatomy is being explored in Sunderland

Published on 15, October, 2024

World Anatomy Day is back for 2024, and hundreds are expected to attend a major fun-filled anatomy event in Sunderland city centre this weekend.

For the second year running, the University of Sunderland, in partnership with Newcastle University, is hosting the free event at The Fire Station on Sunday 20 October, which explores the fascinating footprint of the human body.

World Anatomy Day honours the work of Andreas Vesalius the father of anatomy and marks the anniversary of his death on 15 October 1564. The day is an occasion to celebrate the discipline of anatomy and to make countries around the world aware of its important role in training health science professionals.

The event is open to all families of all ages with a variety of stage shows, hands-on activities and demonstrations exploring the themes of:

• Forensics – asking guests to work out who the victim is after human bones were found on a local construction site.
• Birth and babies – learning all about how babies grow and asking attendees to have a go at delivering one with the help of a midwife.
• Overview of the human body – exploring where each of our organs are located within our body and testing guests’ knowledge.
• Brains – looking at how our brains are responsible for everything we think, feel, say and do and how it manages to do all of this.

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Professor of Anatomy at the University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine, Debs Patten, who will help deliver sessions at the event, said: "We are so excited to deliver this event again at The Fire Station this year.

"Last year’s event was packed out and we are expecting the same this year too. We have added some new elements to the programme for 2024 and we can’t wait to share our knowledge and our love of anatomy."

The event follows on from the successful ‘Bits and Bobs: The Anatomy of Sex’ event, also held at The Fire Station earlier this month. Almost 100 people attended this event which offered a unique opportunity to learn about the structure, function, development, history and significance of our genitourinary and pelvic anatomy.

As part of the World Anatomy Day celebrations, the University of Sunderland has launched an online School Arts and Craft Competition inviting Key Stage 2 pupils from schools across the north-east to create drawings or paintings or make something that celebrates the anatomy of the human body.

For more information, or to enter your school in the World Anatomy Day 2024 - School Arts and Craft Competition, email kate.dulohery@sunderland.ac.uk

If you would like to attend this year's World Anatomy Event, click here. 

For more information on studying Anatomy at the University of Sunderland, click here.