The Institute of Anatomical Sciences
Professionals dedicated to sharing knowledge, techniques and practices
About us
The Institute of Anatomical Sciences (IAS) was founded in 1984. It is a growing international group of anatomy and anatomically-related professionals, who are dedicated to sharing knowledge, techniques and practices. These qualities ensure informed intellectual and technical expertise in the Anatomical Sciences.
We have educational programmes which include anatomical techniques workshops, skeletal preparations, embalming, dissection/prosection and other techniques and skills unique to our profession. The Diploma of Anatomical Technology and Science (DATS) is a formal educational qualification, and it provides and ensures a gold standard of expertise expected by Higher Educational Institutions. There is also a Certificate in Anatomical Bequeathal Services (CABS) which is designed for bequeathal administrators.
In addition to holding two Scientific Meetings a year in the UK and Ireland, we have a journal and regular newsletter so members are always fully informed.
The Benefits of Membership of the IAS Include:
Networking
Networking with colleagues from other Institutions in both Medical & Veterinary Schools. Gaining insight into new developments in teaching methods and specimen preparations. Sharing ideas and information for courses (programmes run/cost comparisons)
Staff development
Training program for staff through the IAS Diploma and Foundation Certificate, supported by IAS workshops. Opportunity to give presentations at scientific meetings developing communication skills.
Links
Links with other professional bodies, The Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, The British Association of Clinical Anatomists and the Human Tissue Authority through the ‘Anatomy Associations Advisory Committee’.
Enhance reputation
Opportunity to enhance the reputation of your Institution through presentations, the winning of awards (dissection/museum competition and open awards), and hosting IAS Scientific meetings.
About the Institute’s Insignia
The foundation of the Institute in London is represented by incorporating two hunting horns from the coat of arms of the family of John and William Hunter. These were the founders of the Hunterian Museum of Anatomy, at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
These two horns support the cartouche of Tutankhamen, depicted in name by the Egyptian Hieroglyphics. These link our provincial membership with that of the late Ronald Harrison, Derby Professor of Anatomy at the University of Liverpool. Professor Harrison was President of the Institute of Science Technology, and his dedication and concern for the further education of university technicians throughout the UK. Professor Harrison’s valued use of paramedical aids for his research, earned him the title of Professor of Egyptology which was bestowed on him by the University of Cairo.
The Institute colours are represented by the national colours of Germany, black, gold and red. This acknowledges the German anatomists whose museum techniques have been used and modified over the past century as teaching aids for anatomy and pathology.
Finally, the staff and serpent of Aesculapius, the Greek God of Healing, symbolise our international link with medicine. The Egyptian funeral mask, which surmounts the Insignia cartouche, portrays our historical heritage with the ancient Egyptian techniques.
JTF Fish (Late Chairman/Secretary of the IAS)
(This article first appeared in the IAS Journal No.2, March 1987).
Insignia redrawn Jan. 1999 – P. Williams
Become a Member
Membership is open to persons in any discipline which recognises the need for anatomical training in their profession and to those who are sympathetic to the aims of the Institute.