Professor of Anatomy (Cambridge)

Professor of Anatomy (Cambridge) is a prestigious academic position within the Faculty of Biology at the University of Cambridge. The role involves teaching, research, and leadership in the field of anatomy, a branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts.

History[edit | edit source]

The position of Professor of Anatomy at Cambridge was established in the 19th century, during a period of significant expansion in the biological sciences. The first holder of the post was Sir George Murray Humphry, a pioneering surgeon and anatomist who served from 1866 to 1895. Humphry was instrumental in the development of the Cambridge School of Anatomy, which has since produced many distinguished anatomists and contributed to numerous advances in the field.

Role and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

The Professor of Anatomy is responsible for leading the teaching of anatomy at the University of Cambridge. This includes delivering lectures, supervising practical classes, and mentoring students. In addition to teaching, the Professor of Anatomy is expected to conduct high-quality research and contribute to the advancement of the field. They also play a key role in the governance of the Faculty of Biology, helping to shape its strategic direction and ensure the quality of its teaching and research.

Notable Professors[edit | edit source]

Several notable academics have held the position of Professor of Anatomy at Cambridge. These include:

Sir George Murray Humphry (1866–1895)
Sir Arthur Keith (1908–1929)
Sir James Gray (1950–1967)
Roger Keynes (1991–2006)

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the field of anatomy, and their work continues to influence the study and understanding of human and animal biology.