Step inside the Hunterian Museum of Anatomy after hours for Night at the Museum of Anatomy: Where the Human Body Meets Technology!

Join us on Thursday 8 October 2026, 18:00–20:00, for a free evening of interactive activities exploring the fascinating intersection of anatomy, healthcare technology and innovation.

Discover how new technologies are transforming healthcare and science with activities spanning AI, medical imaging, dentistry, forensics and more. Whether you're curious about the human body or the history of anatomy, interested in emerging technologies or simply looking for a different kind of museum experience, there will be plenty to explore.

Hosted at the Hunterian Anatomy Museum, Thomson Building, University of Glasgow, this special event also celebrates anatomy in the lead-up to World Anatomy Day.

Free and open to the public — advance registration is required.

**Please note that photography is NOT permitted at this event. For those under 16 years old, an accompanying adult needs to be present due to the sensitivity of some of the preparations.

The event takes place in the Anatomy Museum in the Thomson Building, NOT in the main Hunterian Museum.

Prompt 18:00 start with a 15min "setting the scene" introduction by Dr Ourania Varsou in the Large Lecture Theatre, Anatomy Facility, Thomson Building, University of Glasgow, before we move through to the Hunterian Anatomy Museum. **

Activities and Contributors:

Technology-Enhanced Dentistry: Present and Future

Description: This activity allows visitors to step into the shoes of a dentist and experience, within a virtual reality and clinical simulation environment, what it feels like to perform dental procedures firsthand through immersive haptic technology and hands-on skills practice. It spans treatment across all age groups, from children to older adults, highlighting the associated challenges. By combining VR visualization with realistic tactile feedback and practical clinical simulation, participants gain a unique and engaging insight into how dental students develop their clinical skills in a safe, technology-enhanced setting. The stall will also showcase other technological advances in the field of dentistry.

Contributors: Kurt Naudi, Christine Park, Douglas Robertson, Jenny Galloway, James Elliot (Clark Dental Equipment Systems Limited), Will Mclean, James Donn, Vivien Monteith, Joao Miguel.

Mercurial Anatomy

Description: Mercury is often known as quicksilver, and its bright silvery appearances was useful to anatomists to highlight structures that might be difficult to see with the naked eye. William Hunter used it extensively in his collection, especially to show the lymphatic system, and these preparations are some of the most striking that you will see around the Anatomical Museum. Learn more about this technique and what it can teach us about anatomy.

Contributor: Cat Irving

Can You Calm Your Nervous System in 60 Seconds? A Live CBT Experiment

Description: What happens to your body when you feel stressed – and can you change it? In this interactive experiment, visitors will use simple heart-rate technology to see how the body responds to a short mental challenge, before trying a brief technique drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We’ll explore the fascinating connections between our thoughts, emotions, behaviour and physical reactions, and discover how techniques such as paced breathing can influence the body’s stress response. Come and put your own nervous system to the test!

Contributor: Dr Dougie Marks

Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy: Creating Impact in Healthcare

Description: Discover how interactive visualisation technologies and anatomy come together to transform healthcare education. The MSc Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy, a unique collaboration between The Glasgow School of Art and the University of Glasgow, combines hands-on anatomy with cutting-edge digital technologies. Guided by expert anatomists and creative technologists, students develop innovative ways to communicate, teach and explore biomedical sciences. At this event, you will have the chance to experience graduate projects featuring immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations, augmented reality (AR) applications and engaging visual presentations that bring the human body to life.

Contributors: Dr Jenny Clancy, Dr Eilidh Ferguson, Dr Matthieu Poyade and MSc students

When things slow down and stop working

Description: Preparing Future Nurses to Meet the Needs of People - This stall will demonstrate some of the techniques used in the education of future nurses. Meet ‘Hungry Horace’ and see how nursing students apply their knowledge of life sciences to assess swallowing and to meet the care needs of those who cannot meet their nutritional needs independently. Try our immersive simulation experiences used to help nursing students understand the lived experience of people with sensory and physical impairments.

Contributors: Iona Halkett, Pinky Virh

Description supplied by the event organiser.