DFF Explorative grant to AIAS 3-2-1-Go! Collaborative theme group on the Anatomical Theater
The AIAS 3-2-1-Go! initiative brings researchers together from across faculties to explore a shared research theme. Now the Anatomical Theater group that studies anatomical dissections have been awarded an Explorative Network grant by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF). This allows the group to expand their interdisciplinary scope in Denmark and internationally.
The dissection of human corpses has since its emergence as a medical practice in early modern Europe been a cornerstone of medical training and a topic of debate. The dimensions of dissection are not only medical and epistemic but also cultural and social as it involves challenging ethical and emotional considerations.
The newly formed interdisciplinary AIAS 3-2-1-Go! Collaborative Theme Group ‘Anatomical Theater: Early Modern and Contemporary Dissection as Investigative Art’ is exploring anatomical dissections from interdisciplinary perspectives. Now an Explorative Network grant of DKK 792,000 from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF) enables the group to bring both Danish and European researchers from the humanities and medical sciences together with cultural sector partners.
Addressing complexity with interdisciplinary measures
Their overall aim is to develop interdisciplinary strategies and historical perspecs are required to understand the multiple dimensions of anatomical dissection.
More specifically, the Anatomical Theater group has four main objectives in their project. Their ambition is to establish a new methodological approach and to undertake a comparative historical analysis of dissection practices and spaces. Moreover, they wish to enhance the public dissemination of anatomical knowledge by engaging in close dialogue with representatives from the museum sector (Medical Museion Copenhagen and Boerhaave Museum Leiden), and with artists and curators whose work on anatomy involves public engagement. Finally, they seek to enhance our understanding of the pedagogical challenges involved in anatomical dissection in contemporary medical training.
Concretely, over a two-year period, the group will expand and share their findings and knowledge of anatomical dissection through a series of four workshops, steering-group meetings and a summative international, open conference held at Aarhus University..
Cross-disciplinary, cross-country network
The network coordinator and project PI is:
- Karen-Margrethe Simonsen (Comparative Literature, Aarhus University)
together with an interdisciplinary, international steering group:
- Donna Briggs Bødtkjer (Biomedicine, Aarhus University),
- Edward Payne (Art History, Aarhus University),
- Lisbet Tarp (Art History, Aarhus University),
- Kamilla Pedersen (Scientific Assist. in the project; Clinical Medicine and Educational Dep., Aarhus University),
- Anne Sophie Refskou (Comparative Literature, Aarhus University),
- Maaike Bleeker (Performance, Science, and Technology, Utrecht University, Netherlands),
- Andrea Carlino (Medical History, University of Geneva, Switzerland),
- Ken Arnold (University of Copenhagen/Medical Museion).
About the DFF Explorative Network grant
PI of the project: Karen-Margrethe Lindskov Simonsen
Granted amount: DKK 792,000
Project period: 2025 – 2027
Visit the Independent Research Fund Denmark (in Danish Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond DFF) webpage here
About the AIAS Collaborative Theme Group 3-2-1-Go! initiative
https://aias.au.dk/aias-fellows/collaborative-theme-groups-3-2-1-go
Contact
Karen-Margrethe Lindskov Simonsen, Associate professor
E-mail: litkms@cc.au.dk
Comparative Literature,
Aarhus University
Denmark