Willing Your Body to Teaching and Research
Purpose of Our Program
The University of Queensland conducts a Cadaver Bequest Program for donations of human bodies to help us in our teaching programs for students of the health care professions to learn about human anatomy.
Most bodies are used for teaching purposes and will be the subject of student examination and dissection. This is an important part of the process of learning about the complexities and the infinite variability of the human body. Such knowledge is essential for most medical and allied health professionals, be they doctors, dentists, therapists, pharmacists or sport trainers.
Some bodies are used specifically for surgical and medical research purposes. These are used to investigate various problems which are still baffling medical science. They help to advance surgical and scientific knowledge both nationally and internationally, in order to promote health and alleviate suffering.
Conditions of Acceptance
We accept donations of human bodies from people who live and die in the greater Brisbane area as well as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. There is no upper age limit, however the applicant does have to be over the age of 18 to be accepted into the program.
Other than the applicant’s residential address, the following conditions would restrict acceptance:-
- Death occurring outside of the acceptance area;
- Conduct of post mortem examination;
- Accidental death;
- Coroner’s inquiry;
- Cause of death – transmissible disease or widespread cancer;
- Physical size and condition of body.
Procedure After Death
As soon as possible after death, the deceased will be transported by an undertaker, to the School of Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy & Developmental Biology) at the University of Queensland. Here an embalming process will be carried out to preserve the tissues in a sterile condition. The body is then placed in cold storage until required. The University most commonly uses bodies during the year immediately following their receipt.
Cost
The University covers the costs of the transport and cremation of donated bodies within Brisbane. However, should a donor wish to include a bequest in their will to cover these costs or toward supporting various research programs, the University would be most grateful for such additional generosity.
Conclusion of Program
The University keeps the donor’s bodily remains for a period of up to two years, after which time the body is cremated. This does not involve the next-of-kin. After the cremation, the University will notify the next-of-kin that the ashes are available for collection or disposal.
The cost associated with the ultimate disposal of ashes is a private arrangement between the next-of-kin and the provider of the service.
Thanksgiving Service
A special Thanksgiving Service is held each year to express the University’s gratitude for all such donations. Relatives and friends of donors, as well as students and staff of the School of Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy & Developmental Biology) are invited to attend these occasions.
Book of Rememberance
The names of donors are entered into a Book of Remembrance, which is permanently on display in the foyer of the Otto Hirschfeld Building.
How to Apply to the Program
The procedure for becoming a donor in the University’s Cadaver Bequest Program is to apply in writing stating your wish to leave your body to the University of Queensland, after death, for teaching and research purposes. The letter should be addressed to:-
Bequest Program Manager
Anatomy & Developmental Biology
School of Biomedical Sciences
The University of Queensland
ST. LUCIA CAMPUS QLD 4072.
Upon receipt of the letter the Bequest Program Manager will determine if the applicant is within the current area of acceptance and, if acceptable, send a brochure and other documentation to be completed by the applicant. Once the completed documentation is returned, the applicant will be advised of acceptance into our bequest program.
Drawing Up a Will With the Solicitor
A simple statement including the words ‘bequeaths body, after death, to the University of Queensland for the purposes of teaching and research’ can be included in the will. However the client or solicitor would also need to apply to the University as described above in order to formalise the bequest.
Contact Details
Further information on the willing of bodies for teaching and research can be obtained by contacting the University at the address listed below or telephone 3365 2703 during business hours.
All correspondence should be addressed to:
Bequest Program Manager
Anatomy & Developmental Biology
School of Biomedical Sciences
The University of Queensland
ST LUCIA CAMPUS QLD 4072
Fax: 3365 1299
Email: anatsci@uq.edu.au