The Institute of Anatomical Sciences Garry Thomson Educational Grant

The Garry Thomson Educational Grant is a fund of approximately £1000 per year, available to all FULLY PAID UP MEMBERS of the Institute who have been a member for a minimum of 12 months.

This grant was renamed in 2024 in honour of Garry Thomson, a long-standing IAS member and council officer who died in very sudden and tragic circumstances in late 2023. Garry was a great advocate for the IAS who recognised the value of attending anatomical conferences and events to advance an individual’s personal development, even beyond retirement. Garry also made use of the grant himself on more than one occasion and after his last IAS Scientific Meeting in the autumn of 2023 he wrote a report for the IAS News Magazine. Some of Garry’s words from his final IAS report demonstrate exactly why the IAS council thought it appropriate to honour him by renaming this grant.

“Going to IAS meetings is such an important, amazing opportunity for people involved in the world of anatomy; a time of great fellowship and networking, it’s like anatomy is a small village spread about the UK and abroad, such amazing connections and friendships are made for life! ………I would encourage everyone who has the ability to attend in person to do it as it is an uplifting, encouraging, educational experience and you are making connections with such a variety of people from anatomists to historians, surgeons, bequest secretaries and the list goes on”

Garry Thomson, 1963 – 2023.

The purpose of this grant is to encourage our members continuing professional development by facilitating their attendance at anatomically relevant events such as conferences and workshops, including travel, accommodation etc. For example:

• Attendance at IAS Scientific Meetings, including registration, travel and accommodation, in Great Britain and Ireland. Grants has been awarded to British and oversea members.

• CPD workshops eg. Embalming, potting anatomical specimens, osteological preparations, histology, taxidermy, plastination. This can include travel and accommodation, for both British and oversea members.

• Attendance at other associated conferences, e.g. HTA, IFAA,

• Attendance at additional conferences where members have been asked to present but would like funds to cover travel and accommodation.

This £1000 may be awarded in total to one individual or may be shared between applicants. Non-members or members who are not paid up shall not be eligible to apply.

Applications are invited for this Educational Grant that is to be awarded by the Institute.

Applications, giving details of the proposed trip (including estimated total cost and any other support anticipated), should be received by the IAS Secretary. Applications must be received at least six weeks before the date of the proposed trip/activity.

All applications will be anonymised, and a subcommittee of Council will vet all applications on the basis of likely academic benefits. An individual will not normally receive more than one award every three years. The Institute reserves the right to make no awards. The decision of the Council is final.

The successful applicant will be expected to write an article or paper for publication in the IAS Magazine or Journal reporting on their visit or experiences. The size of this article should be comparable with a Diploma (DATS) integrated module write-up (2000- 3000 words).

The successful applicant would normally be expected to pay for his / her self in the first instance and the Bursary will be paid to them on submission of receipts. If the applicant is unable to do this they should contact the IAS Treasurer.

Project Grant

A new IAS initiative to encourage research and to support projects has been launched by the IAS. You can find details of the grant and how to apply here.