Information for Existing Donors, their Families and Next-of-Kin or other party acting on behalf of the Donor

Thank you for expressing your wish to donate your body to the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).  The study of anatomy is an essential foundation for the clinical practice of our doctors and dentists, and our medical, dental and science students are privileged to be able to examine donated human remains for the study of anatomy.  Many healthcare professionals such as surgeons in training, also benefit greatly from the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of anatomy through the examination of donor remains.

The examination of human anatomical specimens is carried out within the Anatomy Licensed Area of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences in compliance with the Human Tissue Act (2004).  All practices in relation to anatomical examination are regulated by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) who licence the Area and conduct periodic inspections.

Please be aware that no guarantee can be given that a donation will be accepted.  A donation may not be accepted for medical reasons or for operational reasons (e.g. the mortuary being at capacity, closure of the Anatomy facility due to University closure periods).

Information for Donors and Next-of-Kin

If you are interested in learning more about the gift of body donation, would like to advise us of a Donor death or update details held on file please contact the Anatomy Office as follows:

Opening Hours

The normal opening hours of the Body Donation Programme are:

Monday-Thursday 09:00-16:30

Friday 09:00-13:00

We are unfortunately unable to accept a Donor body outside of these times

In addition the Body Donation Programme will not be taking calls or accepting body donations during the following University closure periods (dates subject to change):

• Wednesday 17^th December 2025- Wednesday 7^th January 2026
• Tuesday 17^th March 2026
• Friday 27^th March – 15^th April 2026
• Monday 4^th May 2026
• Monday 13^th July – Friday 17^th July 2026
• Wednesday 16^th December – Wednesday 6^th January 2027

In the instance of University closure or non-acceptance of a donation we would like to take this opportunity to sign-post you to nidirect who provide helpful information regarding the making of funeral arrangements: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/arranging-funeral

Body Donation Programme Privacy Notice