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Professor Claire Smith

Professor of Anatomy, BSMS, and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Education and Innovation), University of Sussex
E: C.Smith@bsms.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1273 877579
Location: Medical School Teaching Building, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9PX

Departmental Assistant

E: MedicineAnatomyDA@bsms.ac.uk

Areas of expertise: Anatomy; Pedagogy, Digital Learning, Curriculum Design, Medical Education

Other relevant positions: Lead for Medical School Digital Strategy

Biography

Professor Smith is an accomplished academic, who has published more than 100 journal papers (3371 citations), 10 text books, including Gray’s Surface Anatomy and Ultrasound, and has an h-index of 24. Delivering over 30 Key note lectures, most notably as the Presidential Speaker. American Association of Clinical Anatomists, Florida. Her research focuses on all areas of anatomy and anatomical education, with a focus on body donation. Since 2011 Claire has been an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons, contributing to patient safety examining ~3,000 surgeons. As the Designated Individual under the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) she was legally responsible for 400 deceased donors and thousands of human body parts. Professor Smith teaches on a wide range of courses including, high level surgical training, undergraduate medicine and science degrees, as well as outreach sessions for members of the public. Most recently, Claire’s dedication to supporting ethical body donation practices was reflected in her appointment as Inspector of Anatomy for Ireland in 2024.

Research

Professor Smith is a leading figure in anatomical sciences and medical education, with a research portfolio that spans over two decades and includes more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, nine textbooks, and numerous invited keynote presentations. Her work is grounded in the advancement of anatomy pedagogy, digital innovation in education, and the ethical dimensions of body donation and public engagement.

Her research interests centre on improving anatomical education to enhance clinical outcomes. She has pioneered curriculum development, including the creation of core syllabi for medicine, nursing, and pharmacy, which have been adopted nationally and internationally. Her pedagogical research explores student learning approaches, spatial ability, and the integration of technology in anatomy teaching, such as virtual reality (VR), ultrasound, and 3D printing.

Professor Smith's work also addresses the emotional and ethical aspects of anatomy education. She has published extensively on body donation, posthumous autonomy, and public display of human remains, including the widely viewed Channel 4 documentary My Dead Body. Her research has influenced public understanding and policy, contributing to best practice guidelines for the Human Tissue Authority.

Her commitment to digital transformation in education is evident through her leadership in embedding AI, VR, and e-assessment platforms into academic practice. She has secured over £3.5 million in research and innovation funding, including substantial grants for digital anatomy education and public engagement.

Professor Smith’s interdisciplinary approach bridges anatomy, ethics, education, and technology. She collaborates internationally, serving on editorial boards and governing bodies such as the Anatomical Society, Trans-European Pedagogical Anatomical Research Group, and the International Federation of Anatomical Associations. Her research has shaped national policy, informed teaching excellence frameworks, and supported the development of inclusive, student-centred learning environments.

Professor Smith’s research is distinguished by its impact on anatomy education, its integration of cutting-edge technology, and its commitment to ethical practice and public engagement. Her work continues to influence the future of medical and health sciences education globally.

Teaching

Professor Smith has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to teaching in higher education, particularly in anatomy and medical education. Her teaching is deeply informed by her research and pedagogical innovation, earning her national recognition including a National Teaching Fellowship (2018) and a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (2023).

As Head of Anatomy at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), Professor Smith was responsible for delivering anatomical education to over 3,000 students annually, including medical students, physician associates, and surgical trainees. She has taught all aspects of applied anatomy across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and her sessions have consistently been rated as the most impactful by students. Even after stepping back from full-time teaching, she continues to contribute to key sessions in BMBS Years 1–4, Physician Associate programmes, and Royal College of Surgeons trauma courses.

Her teaching philosophy centres on innovation and accessibility. She has led the development of new modules and programmes, and introduced pioneering methods such as live-streamed dissection, virtual reality (VR) surgical training, and 3D printing in anatomy education. Working with colleagues in VRiMS (Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery) she has helped train over 1,700 surgeons globally and secured significant funding from Health Education England. She also developed a virtual repository for 360° VR anatomy and surgical content, expanding access to high-quality anatomical education.

Professor Smith has authored core anatomical textbooks, including contributions to the Gray’s Anatomy series, and created a wealth of digital resources such as vodcasts, animations, and interactive quizzes. Her YouTube channel has over a million views, supporting student learning beyond the classroom.

She is a sought-after external examiner, having served at institutions including University College Dublin, University Malaya, and Imperial College London. She regularly advises universities on curriculum development and assessment strategies, and has reviewed grants and promotions internationally.

Her teaching excellence is further reflected in her leadership roles, including overseeing digital education strategy at BSMS, mentoring colleagues through academic promotions, and contributing to national teaching frameworks. She has shared her expertise widely through conferences, workshops, and media engagements, promoting inclusive and innovative teaching practices.

Professor Smith’s teaching commitments reflect a deep dedication to student success, pedagogical advancement, and the transformation of anatomy education through technology and ethical practice.

Selected publications

C. Smith, R. Munro, D. C. Davies, T. Wilkinson, H. Shaw, K. Claridge, S. Llewellyn, P. Mc Ateer, S. Ward⁶, T. Farsides. Understanding beliefs, preferences and actions amongst potential body donors. Anat Sci Educ In Press

H. Lacey, H. Oliphant, C.Smith, M. Koenig, S. Rajak. Topographical anatomy of the annulus of Zinn. Sci Rep 12, 1064 (2022).

T. Farsides, P. Sparks, C. Smith. Beyond “altruism motivates body donation”. Death Studies 2021.

C.F. Smith, S. Freeman, D. Heylings, G. Finn, D.C. Davies. Anatomy Education for Medical Students in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in 2019. Anat Sci Educ 15:1-14. 2021

C.F. Smith, W. Pawlina. A journey like no other: Anatomy 2020! Anat Sci Educ.14:5-7.2021

C.F. Smith, Good Death Anat Sci Educ. Anat Sci Educ 13:657-663. 2020.

G.J. Longhurst, D.M. Stone, K. Dulohery, D. Scully, T. Campbell, C.F. Smith. 2020. Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis of the Adaptations to Anatomical Education in the United Kingdom and Republic or Ireland in Response to Covid – 19 Pandemic. Anat Sci Educ 13:301-311. 2020

C. Hennessy, D. Royer, A. J. Meyer, C. F. Smith. Social Media Guidelines for Anatomists. Anat Sci Educ 13:527-539. 2020.

Farsides, T. L. and Smith, C. F. Consent in body donation. Eur J Anat 24: 239-248. 2020.

J. Holland, C. F.Smith, M. OShea, J. Stewart, C. Ockleford, G.Finn The Anatomical Society Core Embryology Syllabus for undergraduate medicine. Journal of Anatomy 235: 847-860. 2019.

C. Smith, G. Finn, C. Hennessy, S. McHanwell. The initial impact of the anatomical society gross anatomy core syllabus for medicine in the United Kingdom: student and teacher perspectives. Anat Sci Educ. Early View DOI 10.1002/ase.1826 2018.

G. Finn, G. Hitch, B. Apampa, C. Hennessy, C. Smith, J. Stewart, P. Gard. The Anatomical Society Core Anatomy Syllabus for Pharmacists: Outcomes to Create a Foundation for Practice. Journal of Anatomy, 232 (5): 729-738. 2018.

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