MSc Human Anatomy Students Celebrate World Anatomy Day with Innovative Outreach Event

30 Oct 2025

The Western Gateway building was a hive of activity on World Anatomy Day as Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience University College Cork (UCC) marked World Anatomy Day,  inviting the public to enjoy the wonders of human anatomy with multiple hands-on interactive events.

The event, led by MSc Human Anatomy students under the guidance of Dr. Mutahira Lone, Lecturer in Anatomy and Director of MSc Human Anatomy,  and supported by staff of the Department; welcomed approximately 200 primary and secondary school students, their teachers, and postgraduate students from non-science disciplines to an immersive day of anatomical exploration. Sixth class students were invited from Glasheen Girls NS and St Joseph NS boys and third year students from Presentation Brothers College attended the event.

Supported by a £500 outreach grant from the Anatomical Society (UK), the event showcased an engaging blend of traditional anatomy teaching tools and cutting-edge technology, including anatomical models and Virtual Reality (VR) systems. Teachers and participants remarked that it was a very exciting opportunity to explore the human body in such an interactive and visually dynamic way.

Empowering Students to Lead

The event was distinctive in that it was entirely student-led. MSc Human Anatomy students in small groups were assigned an anatomical theme to present. The students were given complete autonomy to design and deliver their sessions in their own creative ways.

“This event gave our MSc students the opportunity to take ownership of teaching,” explained Dr. Mutahira Lone. “While I provided the MSc Students with  broad topics, they then were tasked to  plan their teaching and engage their audience in means that was entirely left to them to deliver. That sense of trust and autonomy empowered them to think creatively, work collaboratively, and communicate complex anatomical concepts in simple and exciting ways.”

As the MSc Human Anatomy students come from many varied careers, some from a non-scientific background, and some with no previous teaching experience, this event has proven to be an invaluable experience for them to developing their confidence in science and public engagement skills. Dr Lone commented  “It was inspiring to observe the MSc students engaging so competently with the students, applying their scientific knowledge and delivering it in accessible, hands-on learning experiences which captivated both children and adults alike.”

Anatomy Through Virtual Reality

One of the most popular items of the day was the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) into anatomy learning. With the Anatomical Society’s outreach grant funding the purchase of three VR licences, visitors had the opportunity to explore the human body in an immersive 3D environment. One student group focused entirely on this technology, guiding participants through virtual dissections and anatomical visualizations.

To make the experience inclusive, the students used screencasting, sharing their VR exploration live on a large display, educating entertaining and enthralling the awaiting participants. “The VR stations were the visual highlight of the event,” said Dr. Lone. “Children were fascinated by the idea of walking through the human body. It made anatomy come alive in a way that textbooks simply can’t achieve.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

For the school students who attended, the event provided a rare opportunity to experience university-level anatomy learning in an open, welcoming environment.

Dr Lone reflected “that the response from the schools was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers commented that their students were very animated about their experiences on the day, asking to be included in future events. This enthusiasm reinforces the importance of making science accessible and exciting at a young age.”

The event also achieved its broader goal of connecting UCC’s Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience with the wider community. By inviting school groups and non-science postgraduates, it helped share the wonders of the study of anatomy and demonstrated how technology, creativity, and education can intersect to make science more inclusive.

“Seeing our MSc Human Anatomy students step up as educators was deeply rewarding,” said Dr. Lone. “They have demonstrated confidence, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability, all key professional skills. The positive feedback from the visiting students has made this event a win win for both the teaching and visiting students.

Dr. Lone has reassured us that this was not a one off, ‘We plan to make World Anatomy Day an annual event at UCC, expanding it even further to include more schools, community groups, and diverse audiences’.