King’s College London played a key role in the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting in 2018 through its involvement in the study “The Spectacle of Dissection: Investigating the Visuospatial Features of Anatomical Teaching in UK Medical Schools.” Researchers observed how spatial design, movement, and technology shape the learning experience inside the dissection room—revealing that teaching is not just about bodies and tools, but about the entire “scene” in which anatomy is performed.
KCL’s participation offered valuable insights into how students interact with both physical cadaveric spaces and emerging digital tools, including 3D-rendered anatomy. This aligns closely with the ethos of King’s Synthetic Anatomy module, where students explore and create anatomical forms using 3D printing, digital modelling, and speculative design. By encouraging reflection, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary thinking, the module expands how learners understand spatial relationships and anatomical structure.
The findings presented at the 2018 meeting highlight the growing importance of visual and spatial literacy in anatomy education—something that KCL continues to champion. From innovative teaching practices to research contributions, King’s remains at the forefront of reshaping how anatomy is taught, experienced, and imagined.