Research overview
Our research drives innovation in understanding life at its most fundamental level.
We use diverse and cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches to study anatomy in order to understand structure and function, embryonic development, phylogenetic relationships, ecology and evolution.
The skeletal anatomy of fossil organisms provides us with clues to appearance and ecology, which in turn tells us how the modern biosphere came to be and how living animals will respond to ongoing environmental changes.
Medical and forensic researchers use the study of human anatomy to understand how we live and grow, as well as ageing, disease and death.
We particularly focus on three areas: form, function and diversification.
Research themes
Form
Form, also known as morphology, relates to the physical structure, shape and size of an organism.
Function
Function refers to the action or role of a body part of an organism. Form and function relate, since an organism's structure is intricately adapted to its role, and its form dictates its function.
Diversification
Diversification is the evolutionary process producing new species or genetic variations, or where specific anatomical features change over deep time. The goal is to enhance survival and efficiency.
Discover more
Sustainability
The Centre has a Sustainability Champion, and, to support our sustainability, we participate in: LEAF for our labs; Green DiSC for our software/IT; and Green Impact for our offices and more generally
Anatomy Laboratory
The Anatomy Laboratory offers a hands-on approach to anatomy, including full body dissection. There is also access to an extensive osteology collection, and anatomical museum and teaching specimens.
Micro-X-ray CT Scanner
Our Nikon micro-X-ray Computer Tomography (CT) scanner offers a micro-focus source & an inspection volume for small-to-medium-sized parts. For external & internal users: competitive rates; in London.
Join our community
Become part of the Centre and CDB
Join our vibrant, research-intensive Centre and our wider Department (CDB), which have a strongly collegiate atmosphere. We seek to welcome people across many research, teaching and academic roles.
Women in the Centre
Our Centre has a strong track record in supporting the work, careers and lifestyle of our women. Be inspired by the stories and encouraged by the experiences of Centre and other CDB women.
Postdoctoral overview
We offer training, funding advice and career development support to those joining or already a member of CDB, of which the Centre for Integrative Anatomy is a part.
News
Laura Porro and Children's TV presenter talk brains and fluffy dinosaurs!
Laura Porro from UCL's Centre for Integrative Anatomy was filmed talking about anatomy and fluffy dinosaurs with CBeebies' Maddie Moate - and helping Maddie to dissect a pig's brain!
12 Mar 2026
Artist-in-Residence inspired by research illustrations to imagine new sea creatures
Mary Yacoob has made a series of drawings inspired by her dialogues with researchers at the Centre. Speculative illustrations of sea creatures are rendered in fine white lines on deep blue backgrounds
12 Mar 2026
Report from the 6th Annual Centre for Integrative Anatomy Symposium
The 6th annual Centre for Integrative Anatomy symposium took place on Thursday 19th February and this year's theme was ‘Anatomy: Past, Present and Future’.
25 Feb 2026
Events
30 Apr
online
CDB Seminar - Dr Ipek Yalcin, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Strasbourg13:00 - 14:00
Contact Us
For Centre administrative matters, including these webpages and social media (but excluding IT, software and computing), please contact Julie Barrett.
For other matters, including research, teaching/educational, departmental, division or faculty matters, or those relating to the Anatomy Lab/body donation, please contact the applicable person.
