The Institute of Anatomy (IA+)

The Institute of Anatomy (IA+) is a research and teaching institute in the Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden. Our subject, anatomy, is the descriptive study of the structure (morphology), tissues (histology) and development (embryology) of the human body. 

Since 2019, Prof. Dr Mirko HH Schmidt is director of IA+.

• RESEARCH: Our research at the IA+ focuses on understanding the plasticity of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the cure of associated diseases. Life science questions and translational research approaches are applied in our institute with the goal of advancing medical understanding and contributing to the healing of patients. You can learn more about our areas of research focus of IA+ here.
• TEACHING: In addition to research, our team is also involved in training new generations of physicians in anatomy, a fundamental part the medical curriculum. Each year, the IA+ teaches more than 150 medical students from the medical degree offered by the TU Dresden, as well as the model degree program MEDiC in co-operation with Chemnitz University Hospital.  You can learn more about teaching at the IA+ here.

For the education of medical students and advanced training of physicians, the study of human bodies is essential. In anatomy, this is taught via visual instruction and practical exercises with donated human cadavers. For this purpose, the IA+ requests body donors, who volunteer during their lifetime, for this important aspect of medical education. Learn more about body donation at the IA+ here.

• CAREER: The IA+ is excited to hear from students, scientists, and physicians interested in becoming a member of our research group. Can you imagine joining our curious and motivated international team? Our current employment opportunities can be found here.