5th Edition Vesalius Continuum

Theatres of anatomy

In conjunction with the 32nd AEIMS 2026 Conference

Dissecting, showing, and drawing the body

This international meeting will examine the long-term development of anatomical education, focusing on how anatomical knowledge was created, performed, and communicated—within its material, philosophical, ethical, and cultural frameworks.

Read more about the programme.

Venues

The conference and Medical Art exhibition will be held at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp (Day 1) and the Grauwzusters Convention Center, part of the University of Antwerp (Day 2), both located in the historic city center of Antwerp. 

Speakers

We are delighted to confirm the participation of:

  • Roberta Ballestriero, Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia, Italy
  • Christine Beese, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
  • Wendy Birch,  University College London, UK
  • Joanna Cameron, Medical Artists’ Association of Great Britain, UK
  • Louis Caron, Santa Barbara University, California, USA
  • Eleanor Crook, London, UK
  • Joachim De Block, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium
  • Eleonora Del Riccio, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
  • Theo Dirix, Vlamingen in de Wereld, Belgium
  • Nicole Falconi Müller, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
  • Monique Kornell, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA*
  • Alison Klairmont Lingo, Berkeley University, California, USA
  • Marie Krüger, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
  • Dániel Margócsy, University of Cambridge, UK*
  • Vivian Nutton, University College London, UK*
  • Kevin Petti, San Diego Miramar College & San Diego State University, California, USA
  • Tom Quisenaerts, University of Antwerp, Belgium
  • Gitte Samoy, University of Antwerp, Belgium
  • Guido Sold, Wesel, Germany
  • Jacqueline Vons, University of Tours, France*
  • Beatrijs Wolters van der Wey, Kunsthistorisch Instituut Antwerpen, Belgium

* Keynote Speakers

We would be honoured to include your international expertise in the History of Medicine among this distinguished group of scholars.

Further Details

More information regarding registration will be shared in the future. 

The conference invites submissions for poster presentations and art work related to the theme Theatres of Anatomy. Contributions must be received by 31 March 2026Posters Art Work

We hope you will be able to join us in Antwerp and contribute to what promises to be a rich and inspiring exchange of ideas.

With warm regards,

On behalf of the Organizing 2026 Committee

  • Robrecht (Bob) Van Hee
  • Francis Van Glabbeek
  • Marc De Roeck
  • Pascale Pollier
  • Guido Sold
  • Ann Van de Velde


*Header image: Frans Denys, De anatomische les van Dr. Joannes van Buyten, 1648-49 (Collectie KMSKA - Vlaamse Gemeenschap)​​

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