Queen’s University Belfast reopens Body Donation Programme

The donation programme was paused in 2023

Bodies can now be donated for medical studies at Queen’s University Belfast again, for the first time since 2023.

The university announced on Monday that its Body Donation Programme, within the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, has now reopened.

The programme, which was temporarily paused in 2023, will welcome new expressions of interest, and resume acceptance of eligible donors currently on their registration list.

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A spokesperson for the university said: “Body donations facilitate essential anatomy study for medical, dental and science students at the University. Work under the scheme is carried out in compliance with the Human Tissue Act (2004).”

On its website, Queen’s University say the study of anatomy is “an essential foundation for the clinical practice of our doctors and dentists, and our medical, dental and science students are privileged to be able to examine donated human remains for the study of anatomy”.

The website adds: “Many healthcare professionals such as surgeons in training, also benefit greatly from the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of anatomy through the examination of donor remains.”

Professor Alan Smyth, Dean and Head of School for Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, said: “Our students and staff are profoundly grateful for the generosity of participants in our body donation scheme and their families. Queen’s upholds the highest standards of care and professional practice in the examination of donor remains.

“Our donors are ‘silent teachers’ for the next generation of doctors and health professionals. This gift greatly enriches the teaching of anatomy for our students. We are delighted that the scheme has reopened.”

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