As Anatomy Connected 2024 quickly approaches, we’ve taken some time to consider the theme: Visualizing Anatomy. Why place so much importance on the artistry used to display science? Visualization and anatomical science, education, and research are inextricably linked and have been since the dawn of anatomical study. A seasoned subject matter expert may know how to recognize the expression of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome genes or what cranial osteology is at the drop of a hat, but we don’t. We’ll undoubtedly need a visual aid to help us along with any explanation. We enlisted the help of our Program Committee Chairs, Drs. Joan Richtsmeier and Matthew Vickaryous, to guide me through the importance and intended impact of this year’s theme.
Data reports show that roughly 65% of the population are visual learners. With such a wide variety of applications in the sphere of scientific research and education, the Program Committee saw fit to emphasize the vital role that scientific artists play in bolstering the everyday work of anatomical scientists, researchers, and educators.
“It seems trite to say that a good picture is worth a thousand words, but it actually is,” said Richtsmeier. “Many of us are visual learners and an effective illustration or explanatory animation can make what seemed impossible to understand clear.”
Not only do visualizations have the potential to embed a deeper understanding of the subject matter, but they also can connect research disciplines, educational approaches, and scientific interpretations.
“Visualization in all its manifestations plays an obvious role in reporting and discussing information,” said Vickaryous. “[They] are critical in teaching anatomy, communicating information, and engaging the public about what we do in ways that are sensitive to the layman’s understanding of human anatomy.”
Anatomical artists create visual aids that are not only used as supporting documentation in complex research studies for the eyes of decorated scientists, but also as a pathway to learning for a new student of anatomy, or anyone for that matter.
Gaining support from the Association of Medical Illustrators, the guest society for Anatomy Connected this year, will provide a unique perspective on what and how data and ideas should be shared. The Program Committee has put together a robust panel of speakers including Drew Berry, a celebrated scientist turned biomedical animator who reveals how molecular and cellular processes behave, and Kurt Schwenk, who uses slow-motion video to analyze the function morphology of feeding behaviors.
“These are processes few people can view in real time but [they] make them available to a large audience,” said Richtsmeier.
Creating resources, art, and studies that are accessible to all, regardless of knowledge base, is what will drive the future. Both Richtsmeier and Vickaryous look forward to witnessing collaborations blossom as a result of the theme, noting that “graphical abstracts are now accepted in many journals, and this [Anatomy Connected 2024] would be a great place for new teams to start: design one for your next manuscript!”
We are all at our core students. We are forever seeking greater knowledge and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. What better way to share, advance, and innovate than to show our findings in partnership with reporting on them? If anything can be gained from Anatomy Connected 2024, our partnership with AMI, or this article, it is that new ideas, approaches, and collaborations are just a click away. Sign up to attend Anatomy Connected 2024 in Toronto, Canada from March 22-25, 2024 and become a part of the conversation.
About the American Association for Anatomy
The American Association for Anatomy is an international membership organization of biomedical researchers and educators specializing in the structural foundation of health and disease. We connect anatomists, neuroscientists, developmental biologists, biological anthropologists, cell biologists, and physical therapists to advance the anatomical sciences through research, education, and professional development.