Body Donation

Body Donation Programm

The Institute of Anatomy is in need of body donations for the course in macroscopic anatomy and for scientific studies on cadavers. The structured dissection of the human body provides medical students with a concept of the spatial structures of the body, which a physician requires during surgery.

With a written declaration, a kind of will, you can bequeath your body to the Institute of Anatomy at Hamburg University. When you die, your body is sent to the Institute. After use - unless you wish otherwise - the urn is buried at the cemetery in the area reserved for the Institute of Anatomy. A gravestone is mounted with the engravement "Even in death, do we serve life". As the preparation of the cadaver usually takes about six months, and the studies on the body take on average several months, in most cases the time between death and burial is from nine months to four years. The Institute of Anatomy carries the costs of the scientific studies. No payment is made to the donator, or their after death, to their relatives. The declaration can be revoked in writing at any time.

If you are interested in bequeathing your body, please contact us in writing, stating your date of birth and postal adress.


Institute of Anatomy
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Haus N61
Martinistr. 52
20246 Hamburg