**Registered number: 01848115 Charity number: 290469**
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **CONTENTS**
||Page|
|---|---|
|**Reference and Administrative Details of the Society, its Trustees and Advisers**|1 - 2|
|**Message from the President**|3 - 5|
|**Trustees' Report**|6 - 21|
|**Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements**|22 - 25|
|**Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities**|26|
|**Consolidated Balance Sheet**|27|
|**Society Balance Sheet**|28|
|**Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows**|29|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|30 - 44|
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE SOCIETY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Trustees**|D. Barry, Councillor*1|
|---|---|
||C. Brassett, Deputy Honorary Secretary*1|
||M. Heyns, Councillor*(appointed 1 May 2025, resigned 28 November 2024)1|
||J. Matthan, Honorary Secretary*1|
||K. McDermott, Honorary Treasurer*1|
||J. Mortimer, Deputy Honorary Treasurer*1|
||L. Murray, Honorary Meetings Officer*1|
||S. Shankland, Councillor*1|
||H. Shaw, Honorary Education Officer*1|
||D. Stone, Councillor*1|
||N. Thomas, Councillor*1|
||A. Venkatesh, Honorary Membership Officer*1|
||T. Wilkinson, President*1|
||C Curtin, Honorary Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer* (appointed 7 January
2025)1|
||K. Linehan, Honorary Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer* (resigned 28
November 2024)1|
||N. Jeffery, Honorary Research Officer*(resigned 2 December 2024)1|
||C Hennessy, Website Media and Communications Officer* (appointed 28
November 2024, resigned 13 February 2025)1|
||K. Dulohery, Website, Media and Communications Officer* (appointed 13 February
2025, resigned 20 June 2025)1|
||L Reid, Councillor*(appointed 7 January 2025)1|
||E. Ferguson, Honorary Meetings Officer (appointed 1 May 2025)1|
|1
Trustees in 2024/25 (* also served as directors of the Company of Anatomists
Limited during the year)
**Company registered**
**number**
01848115
**Charity registered**
**number**
290469
**Registered office**
10 Queen Street Place
London
EC4R 1AG
**Head office**
Anatomical Society
c/o Department of Anatomy and Human Sciences
King's College (Guy's Campus)
Room HB4.2N Hodgkin Building
London
SE1 1UL
Tel: 0207 848 8234
www.anatsoc.org.uk
**Honorary secretary**
Joanna Matthan
**Executive Administrator**
Mary-Anne Piggott
**Independent auditors**
HaysMac LLP
10 Queen Street Place
London
EC4R 1AG||
Page 1
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE SOCIETY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
**Bankers and Investment** Coutts & Co **advisers** 440 Strand London WC2R 0QS **Solicitors** Russell-Cooke LLP 2 Putney Hill London SW15 6AB **Insurance Brokers** Gallagher Unit 17, Manor Courtyard Hughenden Avenue High Wycombe HP13 5RE
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
As I write this report, my three-year Presidency is drawing to a close, giving me an opportunity to reflect on the past three years.
## **Initiatives**
The three years of my Presidency has been thoroughly enjoyable. I have had the opportunity to work with many dynamic, motivated individuals who have made each day of working for the Society a pleasure. Several initiatives have come to fruition over the past three years, or are well in hand. We now have a vibrant mentorship programme, with well over 100 people having signed up as mentors, mentees or both. This has now run successfully for two years, with our latest recruitment drive netting a further 36 individuals, including several repeats. We are also planning an associated research project to assess its effectiveness. Many thanks to Danya Stone, Jeremy Mortimer, Sheona Shankland, Kate Dulohery, Sam Snowdon and Mandeep Gill Sagoo for working so well on this project.
At the time of writing, we have just launched our new website, with a modern look, more accessible features and quick links to areas attractive to the public and to present and prospective members. Thanks very much to Catherine Hennessy, Kate Dulohery and especially Tom Flanagan for getting this over the line, as well as Damian Clarke for his continuing good advice. We have also carried out two excellent Master classes so far this year. Many thanks to Claire Fitton for organising these fascinating talks.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee is now well established as one of our Standing Committees, with EDI values becoming embedded in all that we do. For example, we now have more open, transparent processes for selecting the Officers, Deputies and Members of our Standing Committees and President of the Society. Additionally, I felt it important that the membership of our committees reflect our whole membership, so all committees underwent a refresh to bring in new representation. These initiatives now allow all members the opportunity to apply for roles and to serve the Society in some capacity, with the voices of many more members being heard during our various activities. There is still more to be done, but it is gratifying to see so many new names in the lists of our committee members and I would encourage anyone interested to apply for positions when they become available. I would like to say a big thank you to the Chairs of these committees, who include Hannah Shaw (Education), Katherine Linehan and Caroline Curtin (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Kieran McDermott (Finance and Investments), Asha Venkatesh (Membership), Nathan Jeffery and Lyndsay Murray (Research Advisory), Lyndsay Murray and Eilidh Ferguson (Meetings), Catherine Hennessy and Kate Dulohery (Website, Media and Communications) and to the members of the Journal Committee, Ceri Davies, Kieran McDermott, Lyndsay Murray, Simon Parson, Hannah Shaw and Abigail Tucker for their support over the year. I would also like to thank deeply the members of the Prizes and Awards Committee, Cecilia Brassett, Joanna Matthan and Kieran McDermott for their advice, support and sense of humour over the past three years. Our membership is thriving; our education and research projects continue to expand; our journals continue to be excellent; our meetings, social media and website are reaching ever more people; and our financial base is strong. All of this is due to the work of these outstanding teams of people.
Two projects still underway are a training programme for new Designated Individuals and Persons Designated, which will be rolled out next year. Many thanks to Cecilia Brassett and Kat Sanders for the work on this scheme, which has the support of the Human Tissue Authority. We have also carried out a thorough review of the Society’s regulations, which are somewhat out of date and also need to reflect the more open, transparent selection of our representatives. Thanks to Mary-Anne Piggott, Ceri Davies and Abigail Tucker for all their help with these. The changes will be coming to Council and the Annual General Meeting.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **Collaborations**
We have strengthened our relationships with several of our partner institutions. Our relationship with the Royal Society of Biology continues to grow; I and several colleagues on Council have attended several meetings and functions online or in London, such as Parliamentary Links Day (an opportunity to meet Members of Parliament in person), Voice of the Future (thank you to Charlie Ritchie (2024) and Joanna Tomlinson (2025) for representing us at this event), the Education and Science Policy Committee, the AGM and the Annual Lecture. Seeing the inside of the Houses of Parliament at the Christmas function with Danya Stone was definitely a highlight! Our Society is now both a strategic partner and heavily involved in their ‘Biologist of Tomorrow Skills Vision Project, where we are ably represented by Abigail Tucker.
I have had regular meetings with the Presidents of the British Association of Clinical Anatomists and the Institute of Anatomical Sciences, which has led to greater understanding and some joint activities, with the possibility of a joint meeting in the next 2-3 years. Additionally, we are in regular communication with the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists. This has improved considerably over the past year, with a closer relationship between the two groups now established. We are looking forward to joining them in Melbourne, Australia in September 2026 with a sponsored symposium, and the Congress after that is planned in Chile. So start saving!
## **Finance and journals**
Although open access publishing continues to threaten turnover, the Society is in a strong financial position under the leadership of our Treasury team, Kieran McDermott and Jeremy Mortimer. We made the decision to move most of the excess of our considerable cash reserves into our investment portfolios, which is paying off with good gains at present. Both journals are thriving, with the open access Aging Cell, started 25 years ago by Bernard Moxham, performing well both reputationally and financially. Our flagship Journal of Anatomy is not open access, but continues to provide the major proportion of our income each year. Thank you very much to our excellent Editors in Chief, Phil Cox, James Sleigh, Neil Vargesson and Evie Vereecke for the Journal of Anatomy, and Monty Montano for Aging Cell. These are ably supported by our Early Career Research Editorial Board, who are developing their skills in reviewing papers, as well as the main Editorial Boards. Particular thanks also go to our Managing Editors, Ed Fenton, Stephanie Waller and Isabell Mayr, who quietly continue to do a superb job in the background, ensuring our processes continue to run effectively. Sadly, Stephanie will be retiring from her role this year, so we wish her all the very best for the future. I would also like to thank our publishing partners, Wiley, particularly Paul Trevorrow, Silvana Losito, Sarah Mellor and Kerry Edwards. Additionally, our newsletter, Anastomosis, continues to improve under the wonderful editorship of Kate Dulohery and now Elena Patera.
## **Prizes and awards**
Our PhD studentships continue to flourish. The outstanding recipients of these awards and their students represent the Society well on all occasions, but I would like to make special mention this year to one student, Lauren Barratt (supervised by Gerard O’Keeffe and Kieran McDermott), who won the category for preliminary data at the European Federation for Experimental Morphology Student Symposium on Anatomical Research, an excellent achievement. We now have three joint PhD studentships with other charitable societies (Royal National Institute for Deaf People, Motor Neurone Disease (Scotland) and this year the Epilepsy Research Institute), lessening our financial outlay while maintaining academic excellence. Many thanks to Abigail Tucker, Simon Parson and Gavin Clowry for driving these exciting partnerships.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
The Anatomy Training Programme continues to go from strength to strength under the leadership of Clemens Kiecker, while our various image competitions attract a wide range of entrants each year. A new art competition has been introduced in association with World Anatomy Day (WAD), with some excellent entries last year. Thanks to Ourania Varsou for all her excellent work on making this a success. WAD activities are also continuing to grow and expand across the Society’s members.
The Anatomy Research Development Award for early career researchers is now well into its second year and contributing to the success of future leading researchers. The Fellow of the Year in 2025 was a particularly hard competition, with several excellent candidates. The eventual winner was Phil Cox, who was a worthy recipient with his outstanding career, including leading the scientific excellence of the Journal of Anatomy as one of our Editors in Chief.
## **Conferences**
We have held two exceptional conferences this year, the first at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, organised by Kris Phillips, Liam Young and Colin Mitchie, and the second in Oxford, organised by Zoltan Molnar and Gavin Clowry. Both were well attended by an engaged, enthusiastic audience, ensuring lively scientific exchanges at both. Thank you to the organisers and their wonderful teams, who ensured that we all enjoyed ourselves enormously at both meetings. Also thank you to Lyndsay Murray and Eilidh Ferguson, our Meetings Officers over this period. We are also planning a tripartite meeting with the Anatomische Gesellschaft and the Nederlande Anatomen Verenigung in 2027, which should be a lovely time to reconnect with our European colleagues. We will also be joining the former at their conference in 2026 as part of the Memorandum of Understanding we signed some years ago.
## **Thanks**
It is impossible to list all the very many people who have been so kind, so helpful and so exemplary to work with during my time as President of the Society, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I will, however, name specifically the people who have served on or attended Council this year, who include Denis Barry, Cecilia Brassett, Caroline Curtin, Ceri Davies, Kate Dulohery, Eilidh Ferguson, Catherine Hennessy, Marise Heyns, Nathan Jeffery, Katherine Linehan, Joanna Matthan, Kieran McDermott, Jeremy Mortimer, Lyndsay Murray, Luke Reid, Hannah Shaw, Danya Stone, Sheona Shankland, Neil Thomas, Abigail Tucker and Asha Venkatesh. I hope you have had as much fun as I have! I’d also like to thank our Executive Administrator for the work she continues to do for the Society.
## **Final thoughts**
In conclusion, a gentle word. The Society relies very heavily on large numbers of volunteers, all of whom give of their time freely, usually on top of the ever-increasing demands of an academic career. In this hectic environment, it costs us nothing to be kind to each other, and a kind word can change someone’s entire day. So let’s ensure that we are all, similar to the vast majority of our members, kind, caring individuals who attract even more marvellous people into this wonderful Anatomical Society, about which we feel so passionate. I wish the incoming President, Abigail Tucker, all the best for the next three years. I have no doubt that she will do an outstanding job, and look forward to seeing our Society continue to flourish under her leadership.
**Prof. T. Wilkinson President** Date: 3 December 2025
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The Society is governed and managed by a Council of fifteen Trustees.
## **Council of Trustees**
The Trustees are legally responsible for the overall governance and management of the Society, and for ensuring compliance with the charitable objectives of the Society. The Trustees (Officers and Ordinary Council Members) are the Directors of the Anatomical Society. The Trustees are also Directors of the Company of Anatomists Limited. Under the Society’s governance, implemented in January 2011, the Council of Trustees meets six times a year. Elections to the Council take place each year and any Member of the Society is eligible to stand. The normal tenure of Councillors is three years and Councillors may stand for re-election once before standing down. At an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Thursday 19th August 2021, an amendment to Article 30 was adopted so that the Society follows the conventional practice of all casual vacancies continuing to the end of the terms of office and not ceasing at the immediate next AGM, thus ensuring the effective continuity of Officers and Councillors. The AGM held virtually on Thursday 4th January 2023 adopted revised Article 28a increasing the number of Trustees to seventeen, and the adoption of revised Article 28b allowed the addition of an extra Trustee, namely an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer. Meetings of Council are chaired by the President. Trustees are made aware of their responsibilities through regular dissemination of information from the Charity Commission and associated organisations/firms and through bespoke annual training provided by the Society’s solicitors. There is also a ‘Trustee Guidance Page’ on the Society’s main website (anatsoc.org.uk) with links to relevant organisations and documents that help to ensure that Trustees are aware of their responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and Directors.
## **Committees and Working Parties**
The Council appoints committees, boards and working parties to which it delegates powers and from which it receives reports to inform its thinking and decision-making. Membership of these groups is drawn from the Council and other individuals with relevant expertise. In the interests of transparency and fairness, vacancies are publicised to the membership so that more members have the opportunity to apply. The following committees and working parties met either by telephone/video conference, by e-mail or in person during 2024/25:
- Committees and Working Groups: Finance and Investment; Meetings (Scientific); Education; Prizes and Awards; Website, Media and Communications; Membership; Journals; Research Advisory; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI); Training Programme; Mentorship Scheme and Strategy Group.
- Boards: Wiley Business Board.
- Groups: Education sub groups.
Committee Chairs are required to submit action plans and analysis of outcomes for approval by Council. These provide the guiding framework for the strategic and operational direction of the Society during the year.
## **Management and Administration**
The Society’s head office is located at King’s College London on the Guy’s Campus, where the Society employs a full time Executive Administrator, Ms Mary Anne Piggott, who has worked a hybrid working pattern since September 2021.
## **Pay and Remuneration Policy**
The Society employs an Executive Administrator; however, the Trustees consider themselves to be the key management personnel of the Society. All trustees give of their time freely and are not remunerated by the Society.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **Professional Advisers**
The Trustees have a duty to ensure that the Society is run effectively and efficiently. In order to be compliant with legislation and good practice, the Society works with a team of expert professional advisers: Coutts (Bankers), Coutts (Investment Advisers), Russell-Cooke (Legal Advisers), Gallagher (Insurance Brokers) and the Foundation for Science and Technology.
Annual General Meeting: The Society’s Annual General Meeting, open to all members, was held in person on Tuesday 7th January 2025, in the Foster Lecture Theatre 1 (Mitchell & Kenyon Cinema), Foster Building, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
Objectives and Activities for the Public Benefit The Society is established for public benefit for the following objects:
- the promotion, development and advancement of the anatomical sciences;
- the promotion of research in furtherance of the above object and the publication of the results of research;
- the promotion and advancement of education in the anatomical sciences.
The vision that shapes the Society’s activities remains the promotion and fostering of education and research across the broad spectrum of the anatomical sciences. The Society has furthered these objects during the year by publishing its two Journals, the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell; granting research studentships; holding scientific meetings; running the Anatomy Training Programme; and awarding prizes, bursaries, research and travel grants. The Trustees conform to the guidance on public benefit given by the Charity Commission when fulfilling the Society’s aims and objectives. Membership of the Society is open to anyone with a professional interest in the anatomical sciences regardless of ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, faith, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.
## **Promotions and Publications of Anatomical Research**
## **Scientific Meetings**
The aim of the Society’s Scientific Meetings is to promote high quality science and research in the anatomical sciences. One of the great strengths of the Society is its diversity, and nowhere is this better exemplified than by the range of topics at its meetings.
The Society’s in-person Winter Scientific Meeting was hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, between the 6th to 8th January 2025. The meeting title was, ‘Impact and Outreach of Anatomy Education and Research.’ The meeting incorporated the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell Best paper prizes oral presentations 2023. There were 119 registrations including member and non-member delegates from around the world.
The Society’s in-person Summer Scientific Meeting was hosted by the University of Oxford, Oxford, between the 14th to 16th July 2025. The meeting title was, ‘Human Cerebral Cortex Development III – Oxford. The meeting incorporated the Dr Sophie Miller Memorial Prize Lecture 2025. There were 181 registrations including member and non-member delegates from around the world.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **Publications**
The Society publishes original scientific literature online and in print in its two journals, the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell, with its publisher Wiley. The annual Business Board Meeting for both journals was held in person in London on 21st July 2025 with Wiley, at which reports on the performance of the previous year and plans for future years were discussed and agreed.
## **Journal of Anatomy**
The Journal of Anatomy is owned by the Anatomical Society. It remains at the heart of the Society, both as a prestigious academic publication and as the major provider of the funds that support the activities of the Society.
## **Aging Cell**
Aging Cell is jointly owned by the Society and Wiley. It is a leading journal in its field and continues to show a small financial surplus. The Journal is now a fully functioning online open access journal free to members and the wider public.
The Society also publishes a monthly e-Newsletter entitled Anastomosis, which provides the membership with a wide range of articles, news and views. The Society actively monitors major developments in scholarly publishing, particularly issues around ‘Open Access,’ copyright in the digital age, new delivery mechanisms and journal publishing in an uncertain economic market.
## **Prizes and Awards**
As part of its objective of promoting research in the Anatomical Sciences, the Anatomical Society offers a number of grants and prizes both to support members at various stages of their professional careers, where their work furthers the objects of the Society, and to celebrate specific achievements (see website for details anatsoc.org.uk/funding-and-awards). This year, the Society awarded the Symington Memorial Prize to Dr Bipasha Choudhury for her outstanding contribution to the anatomical sciences, Sixteen Symington Bequests, for fifteen scientists to participate in national and international virtual and in-person conferences, and twelve Barclay-Smith grants. It also awarded three new PhD research studentships, bringing the total of research studentships currently awarded by the Society to eleven. One inaugural Anatomy Research Development Award was made. There were four Departmental Seminar Awards. The Society also awarded prizes for the best and runner-up papers published in the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell. Nine undergraduate Student Research Scholarships were awarded this year. Six Public Engagement and Outreach Awards were awarded. There were five Support for Student Societies Awards. The Dr Sophie Miller Award, given in memory of an Anatomical Society awarded PhD student (2011-2014) following a generous donation from Dr Miller’s parents, was awarded to Ms Orla Mitchell in 2024/25.
## **Promotion and Advancement of Education in the Anatomical Sciences**
Anatomy Training Programme: This programme, a collaboration with the American Association for Anatomy, is now into its sixteenth full cycle (2025-26). Dr Clemens Kiecker took over leadership in 2022-23. In 2025, the summer schools for two modules were held from 7-11 July 2025, hosted by the Human Anatomy Centre, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **Membership and Membership Services**
The Society welcomes those with a professional interest in the Anatomical Sciences. Currently, its membership is 847 and growing. The benefits of membership include:
- Opportunity to network with fellow professionals and to participate in the Society’s regular scientific meetings and social events.
- Free electronic subscription to the Journal of Anatomy.
- Free access to Anastomosis, the Society’s monthly e-magazine.
- Free electronic access to Aging Cell.
- Free Access to jobs and postgraduate opportunities
- Discounts for registration at the Society’s Scientific Meetings.
- Eligibility to apply for generous international travel and training grants, bursaries, awards, prizes and scholarships.
- Opportunity to apply for Fellowship of the Society after at least seven years of full membership.
- Opportunity to contribute to the Society’s committees and working parties.
- Opportunity to participate in the Anatomy Training Programme.
- Opportunity to participate in the Mentorship Scheme
- Access to members-only section.
- Information on, and participation in, debates on policy or professional and educational issues.
- Links to selected anatomical websites, building an international online network of selected sites.
## **Website (anatsoc.org.uk)**
The Trustees recognise the importance of the Society having a modern website fully integrated with social media and which is mobile technology compatible. This resource is vital for the Society to be able to deliver cost-effective high-quality services to its members and to provide information to the public. The website is also a conduit for promoting the Society’s Journals and e-Newsletter, scientific meetings and other activities, as well as a gateway for the Society’s Training Programme, student and post-doctoral activities, events, jobs and funding opportunities. In 2024/25 the Society will launch a new refreshed website on 15th October 2025 to celebrate World Anatomy Day.
## **Governance**
- Joining the Royal Society of Biology’s Strategic Partners Group in March 2021 and renewing membership for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
- Holding an in-person Council Strategic Away Day in April 2025, hosted by the President, Professor Tracey Wilkinson, University of Birmingham, Birmingham.
- Participating in virtual Trustee Training sessions, focusing on governance and regulatory matters delivered as free webinars for the charity sector by the Society’s solicitors, Russell-Cooke, and auditors HaysMac LLP.
- Successful operation of virtual Council meetings four times this year, with the first (November) meeting being held in-person at King’s College London and the fourth (May) meeting being held in-person, at the University of Birmingham.
- Implementing a formal process for selecting a President-Elect.
- Effective running of eight Standing and Other Committees, and a Prizes and Awards Committee utilising virtual technology where appropriate.
- Successful embedding of the EDI Committee following its establishment as a Standing Committee of Council.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- Operation of fair and transparent recruitment procedures for members of Standing and Other Committees
- Successful operation of a strategic planning process centred on devolved action plans from the Standing Committees
- Ongoing implementation of a cascade system of active committee management.
- Ongoing review of aspects of the Society’s Governing Documents in the light of committee and governance changes.
- Review of the eligibility criteria for the Society’s Prizes and Awards and Grants which has been completed in 2024/25, and the documentation and website will be gradually updated.
- Progressing towards formulating a document articulating the values of the Society as part of the Society’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Reduction in the number of Council meetings, changes in timing and venues to improve the effectiveness of the meetings.
- Streamlining of the Society’s Council documentation to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance in place for Trustees, Editors-In-Chief of the Society’s Journals and others.
- Review of the Society’s contracts for workers, including Journals contracts, in progress.
- Annual review of the Society’s Risk Register and incorporating safeguarding as a risk. Effective operation of the accounting and budgeting systems and tailored investment portfolio for managing the Society’s investments.
Reviewed the Data Protection and Privacy Policies Internal and External; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement; and Conflicts of Interest Policy and general Disclaimer Statement.
- Established a Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) as required under data protection legislation and guidance.
- Approved new policies: Safeguarding; Dignity and Respect; and Grievance Procedure.
## **Membership and Membership Services**
- The Royal Society of Biology administers and hosts the Society’s membership database.
- Categories of membership continue to work well; further work is underway to track changes in membership grade.
- One-year free membership continues to be offered for delegates joining at the Anatomical Society’s Winter and Summer Meetings.
- Managed membership system operating effectively.
- New streamlined procedure on the Society’s website implemented for potential members seeking referees for membership applications.
- Eligible members encouraged to apply for Society Fellowship.
- Re-introduction of a Society Membership Stand at Summer and Winter Meetings.
## **Website and communications**
- Main website (anatsoc.org.uk) design and content is in the process of being upgraded and developed, and a launch date for the new website is 15th October 2025.
- Society’s presence on social media platforms developed through the Society’s Website Media and Communications Committee.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- Monthly e-Newsletter Anastomosis revamped with new content. It is extremely well received by the membership and has been successfully integrated as a webpage on the main website (anatsoc.org.uk) since January 2020.
- University job opportunities regularly published on the vacancies, website page and in the Newsletter.
- Implementation of a reciprocal arrangement with the Royal Society to publish flyers on the Society’s website and Newsletter from time to time.
## **Publications**
- Successful implementation of regular virtual meetings led by Chair and Deputy Chair of the Journals Committee with Editors-in-Chief and Managing Editors and the Wiley Publisher on a regular basis.
- Negotiating the renewal of a new Aging Cell contract with Wiley.
- Ongoing review of the strategic marketing plans for the Journal of Anatomy and for Aging Cell developed in conjunction with Wiley.
- The high quality of articles published in both the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell has been maintained.
- Established for Journal of Anatomy a Social Media Editor and Early Career Researchers’ Editorial Board.
- A Special Issue dedicated to Professor Gillian Morriss-Kay on ‘Advances in Craniosynostosis – Basic Science to Clinical Practice,’ guest edited by Professor Mehran Moazen and Professor Stephen Twigg will be published as the December 2024 Issue.
- A Special Issue on ‘Anatomical Variations of Hearing and Sound Production in Amniotes,’ guest edited by Dr Laura Wilson, Dr Daisuke Koyabu and Dr Jason Bourke was published s the March 2025 Issue.
- A Special Issue on ‘Biomedical Imaging in Comparative Anatomy’, guest edited by Dr Sourav Bhattacharjee was published as the May 2025 Issue.
- A Special Issue ‘From Fossil to Microscope: Unraveling the Tapestry of Tissue Anatomy Through Paleohistory,’ guest edited by Dr Mateusz Wosik and Dr Greg Funston, is being published as the September/October 2025 Issue (a double issue).
- A Special Issue on ‘Evolutionary Anatomy,’ guest edited by Dr Isabelle Winder and Dr Vivien Shaw is scheduled to be published as the February 2026 issue.
- A Special Issue on ‘Evolution of Vertebrate Joints’, guest edited by Professor Virginia Abdula and Dr Armita Manafzadeh is in progress.
- A Special Issue on ‘Human Brain Development,’ guest edited by Professor Zoltan Molnar and Dr Gavin Clowry is in progress.
- A Special Issue on ‘Tendon Ligament and Enthesis,’ guest edited by Professor Fabio Quondamatteo, Dr Jennifer Paxton and Dr Flora Groening, in honour of Professor Michael Benjamin, is in progress.
- For Aging Cell, a Special Issue in collaboration with the Journal of Anatomy inspired by the 25th Anniversary of Aging Cell, with publication anticipated in 2026.
- Aging and Cancer, Advanced Biology, Aging and Cancer and Advanced Science will host a virtual special collection of new and previously published studies focused on cancer and aging.
- For Aging Cell, a consistent increase in the number of papers published.
- For Aging Cell, the scope of the Journal has increased to include translational studies.
- From the Society’s Summer Meeting 2025, hosted by the University of Oxford, there will be a special issue.
- Abstracts from the Society’s Winter 2024 Meeting, hosted by University of Central Lancashire, will be published in the Journal of Anatomy in due course. The abstracts from the Summer 2025 Meeting, hosted by University of Oxford, will be published in the Journal of Anatomy in due course.
Page 11
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- Journal of Anatomy: The 2024 impact factor increased to 1.9. The journal is now ranked 8/20 in the category ‘Anatomy and Morphology (Science)’. Its 5-year impact factor also compares well with competitors.
- Aging Cell: The 2024 Impact Factor decreased to 7.1 placing Aging Cell 5/50 in the category ‘Geriatrics and Gerontology’ and 40/174 in the category ‘Cell Biology’.
- Anastomosis: Online monthly format under the editorship of Ms Elena Patera continues to be a success.
## **Scientific Meetings**
- Two successful in-person Scientific Meetings were held: the Winter Scientific Meeting 2024, hosted by University of Central Lancashire in January 2025, and the Summer Scientific Meeting 2025 was hosted by the University of Oxford in July 2025.
- Two Society awarded PhD students, Ms Lauren Barrett, University College Cork and Mr Luke Barlow, King’s College London, were nominated by the Society to take part in the Annual European Student Symposium on Anatomical Research, hosted by the European Federation for Experimental Morphology (EFEM), in September 2025.
- Four Departmental seminars were made.
- Six Public Engagement and Outreach Awards were made.
- Implementation of Society Meetings Ambassadors at the two Scientific Meetings. Meetings Code of Conduct implemented for the Summer Scientific Meeting 2024 onwards.
## **Prizes and Awards**
This year, the following awards were made:
- The Symington Memorial Prize 2024 was awarded to Dr Bipasha Choudhury, University of Manchester.
- Eight Fellowships were awarded.
- New Fellow of the Year was awarded to Dr Philip Cox.
- **Anatomical Society Research Development Award 2024/25 was awarded to:**
- Dr Daniel Johnston, Trinity College Dublin. Project: Understanding the neuroanatomy of the inflammatory skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa.
- **Anatomical Society Research Studentships were awarded to:**
- Dr Claire Conway*, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Ireland. Student: Mr Daniele Giampietro. Project: ‘The Development of a Library of Digital Reanimated Mitral Valves.’ *Early Career Investigator Studentship.
- Regius Professor Simon H. Parson, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen. Student: Ms Molly Griffiths. Project: ‘Microvascular defects beyond the spinal cord: a detailed morphological investigation.’
- Dr Philip Cox, University College London, London. Student: Mr George Watts. Project: ‘The influence of island evolution and domestication on size-shape relationships in the anatomy of Caprinae.’
- Undergraduate Student Summer Vacation Research Scholarships were awarded to:
- Dr Caroline Allen, University of Glasgow. Student: Ms Katherine Kurth. Project Title: ‘Comparison of Fixation Techniques for Immunohistochemistry and Basic staining of Human Post- Menopausal Ovarian Tissue.’
Page 12
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
-
- Professor Stephanie Cragg, University of Oxford. Student: Ms Avanthika Sivakumar.
- Project Title: ‘Exploring short-term plasticity in dopamine release between anatomical compartments of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons.’
- Dr Caroline Curtin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Student: Ms Rhieya Rahul. Project Title: ‘The effect of changes to ECM composition on triple negative breast cancer progression.’
- Dr Adrian Dervan, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Student: Mr Anas Sulaiman Al-Kharusi Project Title: ‘Development of an AI-based deep learning analytical method for the accurate and precise detection of blood vessels in the human spinal cord.
- Dr Helen Dodson, University of Galway, Ireland. Student: Ms Anandita Mariappan. Project Title: ‘Analysis of DNA damage response mouse keratinocytes lacking Rac1.
- Dr Norah Fogarty, King's College London. Student: Ms Sarra El Ghali.
- Project Title: ‘Interspecies comparison of TCF/LEF family members in mammalian embryogenesis.’
- Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka, University of Southampton. Student: Ms Srishti Ramrakhiani. Project Title: ‘3Dreconstruction of the human choroid to gain new insights into age-related macular degeneration (AMD).’
- Dr Darren William Roddy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).Student: Mr Ryan Lukin. Project Title: ‘Detangling Disappointment: Mapping the Fasciculus Retroflexus from Diffusion MRI in Depression.’
- Dr Hannah Swainson, University of Newcastle. Student: Mr Joseph Gough. Project Title: ‘Design and creation of an intra-operative video atlas as a learning tool to enhance the development and
- retention of medical students’ anatomical understanding and highlight the relevance of anatomy to
- clinical practice.’
- One Journal of Anatomy Best Paper Journal Prize was awarded.
- Two Journal of Anatomy Runner-Up Best Paper Journal Prizes were awarded.
- One Aging Cell Best Paper Journal Prize was awarded.
- Two Aging Cell Runner-Up Best Paper Journal Prizes were awarded.
- Sixteen Symington Bequest Awards were awarded (one received funding from elsewhere).
- Twelve Barclay-Smith Awards were awarded.
- Four Departmental Seminars were awarded.
- One First Equal Best Image Prize (Artwork Category) was awarded October 2024.
- One Best Image Prize (Scientific Category) was awarded October 2024.
- One Runner-Up Best Image Prize (Artwork Category) was awarded October 2024.
- Two Runner-Up Best Image Prize (Scientific Category) were awarded October 2024.
- One Best Image Prize (Artwork Category) was awarded May 2025.
- One Best Image Prize (Scientific Category) was awarded May 2025.
- One Runner-Up Best Image Prize (Artwork Category) was awarded May 2025.
- One Runner-Up Best Image Prize (Scientific Category) was awarded May 2025.
- One Young Investigator Best Oral Presentation Prizes was awarded and awarded at the in-person Winter Scientific Meeting hosted by University of Central Lancashire, January 2025.
Page 13
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- One Best Poster Presentation Prize (Cave) was awarded in 2025 at the in-person Summer Scientific Meeting hosted by University of Oxford, July 2025.
- One Runner-Up Best Poster Presentation Prize (Cave) was awarded in 2025 at the in-person Summer Scientific Meeting hosted by University of Oxford, July 2025.
- One Education Innovation Award was awarded in September 2025.
- Six Public Engagement and Outreach Awards were awarded.
- Five Support for Student Societies awards were awarded.
- The Dr Sophie Miller Memorial Prize Lecture was awarded and delivered at the in-person Summer Meeting held at the University of Oxford, July 2025.
## **Education and Outreach**
- Two virtual and one in person Education Committee meetings held.
- Education Subgroups fully established to progress the work of the Committee.
- Careers in Anatomy Project - profiles available on the website.
- Review of the Anatomy Training Programme undertaken with a presentation by Dr Clemens Kiecker to 17.07.25 Council.
- One Education Innovation Award sponsored by Anatomical Sciences Education (ASE) awarded September 2025
- Collaboration with the American Association for Anatomy in running the Anatomy Training Programme continues, with three trainees presently enrolled.
- Education Officer represents the Anatomical Society on the Royal Society of Biology Education and Science Policy Committee.
- Education pre-conference workshops at Society Scientific Meetings successful
- Education research training workshop collaboration between the Society and the Biochemical Society May 2024.
- Education Research Seminar Series has been successful.
- Anatomical Society Workshops organised by the Education Committee established.
- Proposal in principle agreed for Primal Pictures to sponsor an undergraduate Student Summer Vacation Research Award in 2025 and a summer internship.
- Development of a training package for DIs and PDs.
- Generation of three inclusive education anatomy teaching resources in collaboration with the EDI Committee.
- Education Committee ‘Tip of the Month’ published in Anastomosis.
- Online teaching guides implemented – the Education Committee (based on their personal experience) have created a set of infographics describing some pros and cons and top tips to developing different aspects of online education.
- Providing ongoing educational oversight and expertise to Wiley publishers and Primal Pictures to develop educational resources from the published Article, ‘The Anatomical Society core regional anatomy syllabus for undergraduate medicines’ published in Journal of Anatomy, 228: 15–23.
- Early Career Researcher Webinar Series embedded.
- Anatomy Master Classes being implemented.
- Education Innovation Award – award 2025 sponsored by the Anatomical Sciences Education (ASE) and can be applied for using an online application form.
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**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- There were five Support for Student Societies awards.
- Six Public Engagement and Outreach Awards were awarded.
- New merchandising approved to enhance the profile of the Society at meetings and outreach events.
- The Society continues to play a significant role internationally in educational matters through the European Federation for Experimental Morphology, Trans-European Pedagogic Anatomical Research Group, and the International Federation of Associations of Anatomy.
- The National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition, held in Glasgow in May 2025, was supported by the Society.
- The International Arts and Crafts Competition 2024/25 was organised and hosted by Dr Ourania Varsou form the University of Glasgow.
## **Research**
- Revised evaluation process being implemented for Anatomical Society funded PhD studentships for student start date 01.10.26.
- The Society’s main website has a dedicated ‘Research Section’ (anatsoc.org.uk/research).
- Virtual Officer visits were made to current 2nd year Society PhD studentship holders
- Part-time Society awarded PhD studentship implemented from October 2018.
- No Society awarded PhD students participated in international conferences as part of their PhD studies under the International Conference Allowance.
- Early Career Investigators studentships implemented from 2018 and proving successful.
- Following the impact of Covid-19 on current PhD studentships, the Society continues to offer additional funding and/or extensions on a case-by-case basis to minimise the impact of the disruption to students’ studies.
- The Society continues to cover (since 2019) the cost of a single Open-Access Fee for one original article with the student as lead author based on Society awarded research published in either the Journal of Anatomy or Aging Cell.
- A record of PhD awards and first destinations helps to monitor the efficacy of the Anatomical Society studentship programme.
- One joint awarded 3-year PhD partnership with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland.
- One joint awarded 3-year PhD partnership with The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).
- One joint awarded 3-year PhD partnership with the Epilepsy Research Institute UK.
- One Anatomy Research Development Awards (ARDA).
- Spotlight on publications emanating from the Society’s PhD studentships now a dedicated page on the Society’s main website implemented.
- Nine undergraduate student research scholarship awards were made.
## **Early Career/Student Matters**
- Early career/student engagement events held at the in-person Winter Meeting in collaboration with the Early Career Anatomists, hosted by University of Central Lancashire January 2025.
- Early career/student engagement events arranged for the in-person Summer Meeting, hosted by University of Oxford, July 2025.
- Career progress profiles and videos implemented.
- Monthly webinar series developed focusing on, ‘how to…’ and ‘career development in anatomy.’
Page 15
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- A Mentoring Scheme to support career development work has been implemented.
- Participation by Early Career member Dr Joanna Tomlinson in the Royal Society of Biology Voice of the Future 2025 event held online 17.03.25.
- A number of Society members participated in the Early Career Anatomists (ECA) Conference, University of Nottingham, June 2025.
- Anatomical Society Roadshows initiative was agreed and is in the process of being implemented.
## **Collaboration with Anatomical and other Societies**
- Anatomy Associations Advisory Committee (AAAC) approved guidance on the retention and processing of donor paperwork (February 2023) which has been duly published on the participating organisations’ websites.
- The Society is in the process of renewing its Memorandum of Understanding with the British Association of Clinical Anatomists (BACA) and the Institute of Anatomical Sciences (IAS).
- The Society signed an inaugural Memorandum of Understanding with the Anatomische Gesellschaft (AG) in 2019.
- The Society signed in 2022 a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).
- The Society signed in 2023 a Memorandum of Understanding with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland.
- The Society signed in July 2025 the Memorandum of Understanding with Epilepsy Research Institute UK. The Society is a signatory to the Understanding Animal Research, ‘Concordat on Openness on Animal research.’
- As a strategic partner of the Royal Society of Biology the Society, Officers have attended a number of virtual and in-person events organised by the Royal Society of Biology. The Royal Society of Biology in-person AGM and Charter Lecture was attended by Professor Tracey Wilkinson, President.
The Society has active and productive collaborations with a number of international societies, including the American Association for Anatomy, International Federation of Associations of Anatomists and their various committees and programmes, European Federation for Experimental Morphology and Trans European Pedagogic Anatomical Research Group
## **Key Strategic Goals for 2025-26 – Looking Ahead**
## **Strategic Initiatives**
- Implement a number of strategic issues (i.e., implement a pilot mentorship scheme; develop HTA DI/PD training scheme; direct debits for the membership; reinstating the Society’s membership stand at meetings; extend postnominals to the membership similar to the Society’s Fellows and Honorary Fellows; modernise the Society’s website; ensure that there is an education section in Society Scientific meetings and progress more joint studentships with other similar organisations).
Page 16
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **Governance**
- Review the sustainability of the Society within the Society’s strategic planning process by continuing to build the Society’s investment portfolio to counter the forecast fall in income from the journals and implement a reduction in support costs with a timed implementation plan.
- Set up a central online repository for Society documentation.
- Develop a strategy to diversify income sources (i.e., fundraising opportunities – especially bequests and legacies).
- Continue to encourage trustees to attend online trustee training events to ensure good governance.
- Continue to implement EDI initiatives at Board, Committee and membership levels.
- Continue to develop a coaching culture and capability, initially within the Council, to promote the career development of staff of the Society and its members.
- Monitor policies and implementation, in particular the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulations.
- Continue to review the Society’s Governing Documents to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice.
## **Communications and Profile Raising**
- Continue to develop and utilise promotional materials and seek opportunities to raise the profile of the Society within the scientific and educational community and the general public.
- Continue to enhance the Society’s profile using the main website, social media and Anastomosis newsletter.
- Continue to enhance the Society’s profile as one of the Royal Society of Biology Strategic Partners.
## **Membership and Membership Services and Online / Member Portal**
- Continue to fully engage and utilise the expertise and experience of the new membership management provider.
- Continue to monitor the success of the new membership categories.
- Apply EDI monitoring to the Society’s membership database to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Continue to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment of new members to committees.
## **Publications**
- Increase the high quality of articles published in and the Impact Factor for the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell.
- Publish Special Issues in the Society’s two journals.
- Continue to develop and enhance Anastomosis content to help promote the Society, its charitable activities and research.
## **Education and Outreach**
- Continue enhancing the Anatomy Training Programme.
- Develop a learning centre and repository for material for Anatomy Training Programme participants.
- Develop further resources and activities for mid-career progression.
- Develop outreach activities under the auspices of the Education Committee.
Page 17
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- Encourage educational paper submissions to the Journal of Anatomy.
- Continue implementing the Education and Innovation Award.
- Continue developing and implementing Core Curricula.
## **Meetings**
- Continue to organise high quality scientific meetings and promote the Society’s prizes and awards.
- Develop further reciprocal membership rates for partner anatomical society societies.
- Implement future collaboration with the British Association of Clinical Anatomists and the Institute of Anatomical Sciences.
- Instigate partnerships with sister societies abroad.
- Continue collaboration with the International Federation of associations of Anatomists (IFAA) annual World Anatomy Day celebrations, October 2025.
## **Research**
- Ensure that all Society awarded PhD students affected by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic complete their studies.
- Continue fine-tuning the management and administration of the Research Studentship programme.
- Develop further the Anatomical Society Undergraduate Summer Research Studentship programme to encourage wider participation.
- Develop further partnerships with other societies for joint PhDs.
## **Early Career/Student Matters**
- Develop further early career/student engagement with the Society.
- Further development of the Mentorship Scheme for career development support.
- Implementation of the Roadshows initiative.
- Continue encouraging attendance at webinars for Early career members (i.e., AS Early Career Webinars, IFAA President’s Emergent Anatomists Programme).
Page 18
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|RSB|Society delegate to RSB Strategic Partners – Professor Tracey Wilkinson, President|
|---|---|
||-
Society delegate to the Parliamentary Steering Group – Professor Tracey Wilkinson,|
||President.|
||-
Society delegate to the AGM and Annual Charter Lecture – Professor Tracey Wilkinson,|
||President.|
||-
Society delegate to the Education and Science Policy Committee – Dr Hannah Shaw,|
||Education Officer.|
||-
Society delegate to the Group Event Managers Meetings –Dr Lyndsay Murray (from May|
||2025) Dr Eilidh Ferguson, Meetings Officer (to May 2025). .|
||-
Society delegate to the Outreach and Public Engagement Meetings – Dr Eilidh Ferguson,|
||Meetings Officer (from May 2025).|
||-
Open to all Society Councillors Parliamentary Links Day – Professor Tracey Wilkinson,|
||President and Professor Joanna Matthan, Honorary Secretary.|
||-
Society representative to the RSB Member Organisation Diversity and Inclusion|
||Committee –Dr Caroline Curtin.|
||-
Parliamentary Links Day – open to all Councillors.|
|BACA|Society Representatives to the British Association of Clinical Anatomists – Dr Jeremy Mortimer,|
||Deputy Honorary Treasurer (BACA Council Meetings and Scientific Meetings).|
|IAS|Society Representatives to the Institute of Anatomical Sciences – tba (IAS Council Meetings and|
||Scientific meetings).|
|AG|Society delegate to Anatomische Gesellschaft (AG) – Professor Tracey Wilkinson, President.|
|IFAA|Society delegates to IFAA – Professor Tracey Wilkinson, President and Professor Joanna Matthan,|
||Honorary Secretary.|
||Society representative to the IFAA College of Representatives – Professor Tracey Wilkinson,|
||President.|
||Society representative to FICSP (Scientific Publications) – Dr Monty Montano, Editor in Chief,|
||Aging Cell and Dr Phil Cox (one of the Editors-in-Chief, Journal of Anatomy.|
||Society representative to FIPAE (Anatomical Education) – Dr Hannah Shaw.|
||Society representative to FICEDA (Equality and Diversity in Anatomy) – Dr Caroline Curtin.|
|TEPARG|Society delegate to TEPARG – Dr Asha Venkatesh, Membership Officer.|
|EFEM|Society delegate to EFEM – Professor Joanna Matthan, Honorary Secretary.|
|AAAC|Society representatives to the Anatomy Association Advisory Committee (AAAC): Professor Ceri|
||Davies (to 17.07.25) Professor Joanna Matthan (from 17.07.25), Dr Asha Venkatesh, Membership|
||Officer and Dr Eilidh Ferguson, Meetings Officer.|
|UAR|Understanding Animal Research – Profesor Nathan Jeffery, Research Officer (to December 2024),|
||Dr Lyndsay Murray, Research Officer (from 01.05.25)|
||Dr Eilidh Ferguson, Meetings Officer (from 01.05.25) and Dr Lyndsay Murray, Meetings Officer (|
||to 01.05.25).|
|PC|Society representative to the Society Publishers’ Coalition – Professor Tracey Wilkinson, President|
|ACQ|Society representative to The Anatomy Collective for Quality - tba.|
Page 19
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The total funds of the Anatomical Society and the Company of Anatomists during the financial year increased from £6,422,634 to £7,564,790 due to the continued success of journal publications. The total income amounted to £1,688,955, whilst total expenditure was £1,341,720, leaving a net surplus before investment gains of £347,235, compared to £352,785 in 2023/24.
The value of the main investment portfolios increased over the financial year from £4,392,565 to £5,669,943. There were net gains on investments of £794,921 compared to net gains of £492,504 in the prior year. The trustees are continuing to maintain the level of investment in the Society's investment portfolio.
The online accounting system is fully operational for accounting and budgeting for both the Society and the Company of Anatomists.
## **Public benefit**
Our annual public benefit activities included two very well attended conferences with scientific and educational symposia and public lectures; sponsorship of 3 new PhD research studentships commencing October 2025, with a total of 11 funded this year; grants totalling £22,674 were paid to 29 scientists to disseminate or develop their research (16 Symington Bequests, 12 Barclay-Smith and 1 Anatomical Society Research Development Award); grants of £18,400 paid to 8 undergraduate students for summer research projects; sponsorship of four university departmental seminars, and expenditure on prizes amounting to £3,687.
## **Going Concern**
Given the level of free reserves available at the year end, the valuation of the investments and the agreed publishing contract and income from Wiley through its subsidiary entity, the Trustees consider that the Society has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, this is based on reviewing budgeted spend and those available resources for a period of 12 months through to the end of 2026. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and the trustees do not believe there are any material uncertainties in relation to going concern.
## **Reserves policy**
The total funds as at 30 September 2025 are £7,564,790 (2024: £6,422,634) of which £545,287 (2024: £490.639) are restricted. The members of the Council continue to review the level of reserves of the Society in light of current and future planned activity. The Society and its trading subsidiary, the Company of Anatomists Limited, publish two journals, the Journal of Anatomy and Aging Cell, through Wiley publications. These journals, particularly the former, continue to be the major source of revenue for the Society, and the threat of loss of income due to open access publishing campaign continues to be monitored and reviewed together with our publisher. Aging Cell has been operating on an open access model for several years and, thus far there has been no negative impact upon the revenue from this journal. We are mindful of the fact that our reserves must be adequate to cover the longer-term liabilities of PhD studentships, employment costs, website and membership services and consequently maintain at least three year forward liquidity to cover all studentship costs for three years.
## **Investment policy and performance**
Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and in accordance with guidelines from the Charity Commission, the Society has the power to invest those funds not immediately required for its purposes. Coutts & Co are engaged as investment advisers with discretionary authority to operate the portfolios held for the Society within agreed investment objectives and guidelines. The Anatomical Society and Symington Bequest Funds, which the investment managers are instructed to manage in order to maximise the total return on the portfolios within the constraints of a medium to low risk investment portfolio, will be closely monitored in the coming year to maximise their potential.
Page 20
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **Risk Management**
The members of the Council undertake an annual review to identify and assess the risks to which the Society is exposed, in particular those relating to the operations and finances of the Society and its trading subsidiary, the Company of Anatomists Limited. The Society has a formal risk management process through which the Leadership Team identifies the major risks to which the organisation may be exposed and has ranked these by likelihood and impact, culminating in a risk control document which is updated on a regular basis. All significant risks, together with current mitigation actions, are reviewed regularly throughout the year by the Trustees. The Trustees are satisfied that systems have been developed and are in place to mitigate identified risks to an acceptable level.
## **STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL**
The Council, as directors of the charitable company, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under Company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
So far as each of the directors is aware at the time the report is approved:
- there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware; and
- the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
In preparing this report, the Directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006
Approved by order of the members of the Board of Trustees on 3 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
**Prof. T. Wilkinson** President
Page 21
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of the Anatomical Society, for the year ended 30 September 2025, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the parent charitable company's affairs as at 30 September 2025 and of the Group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis for opinion**
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
## **Conclusions relating to going concern**
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Page 22
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY (CONTINUED)**
## **Other information**
The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006**
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the information given in the Trustees’ Report (which includes the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the directors’ report included within the Trustees’ Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Report (which incorporates the directors’ report).
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company; or
- the parent charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
- the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the trustees’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Page 23
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY (CONTINUED)**
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, set out on page 21, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
## **Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements**
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the Group and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to regulatory requirements for GDPR, Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and Charities SORP.
We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to revenue and management bias in accounting estimate and application of controls around authorisation of expenditure and payments. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
- Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities;
- Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
- Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
- Identifying and testing journals; in particular journal entries posted with unusual account combinations, postings by unusual users or with unusual descriptions; and
- Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
Page 24
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY (CONTINUED)**
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
## **Jackson Berry For and on behalf of HaysMac LLP**
Statutory Auditors 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
> Date: 8 December 2025
HaysMac LLP are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 25
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Note**
**Income from:**
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities
7
**Total expenditure**
**Net movement in funds before other**
**recognised gains/(losses)**
**Other recognised gains/(losses):**
Gains on revaluation of investments
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
**Total funds carried forward**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**-**
**8,038**
**8,038**
**2,521**
**6,824**
**9,345**
**(1,307)**
**55,955**
**54,648**
**490,639**
**54,648**
**545,287**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**1,589,097**
**91,820**
**1,680,917**
**21,291**
**1,311,084**
**1,332,375**
**348,542**
**738,966**
**1,087,508**
**5,931,995**
**1,087,508**
**7,019,503**|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**1,589,097**
**99,858**
**1,688,955**
**23,812**
**1,317,908**
**1,341,720**
**347,235**
**794,921**
**1,142,156**
**6,422,634**
**1,142,156**
**7,564,790**|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_1,557,351_
_147,707_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_1,705,058_|
|||||_20,251_
_1,332,022_|
|||||_1,352,273_|
|||||_352,785_
_492,504_|
|||||_845,289_|
|||||_5,577,345_
_845,289_|
|||||_6,422,634_|
The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 30 to 44 form part of these financial statements.
Page 26
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 01848115**
## **CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
**Current assets**
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
14
**Net current assets**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Restricted funds
15
Unrestricted funds
15
**Total funds**|**241,115**
**1,821,341**
**2,062,456**
**(167,609)**|**2025**
**£**
**-**
**5,669,943**
**5,669,943**
**1,894,847**
**7,564,790**
**545,287**
**7,019,503**
**7,564,790**|_245,775_
_1,884,579_
_2,130,354_
_(100,300)_|_2024_
_£_
_15_
_4,392,565_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_4,392,580_
_2,030,054_|
||||||
|||||_6,422,634_|
|||||_490,639_
_5,931,995_|
||||||
|||||_6,422,634_|
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 3 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
**Prof. T. Wilkinson** President
## Kieran mcdermott
**Prof. K. McDermott** Honorary Treasurer
The notes on pages 30 to 44 form part of these financial statements.
Page 27
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 01848115**
## **SOCIETY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
**Current assets**
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
14
**Net current assets**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Restricted funds
15
Unrestricted funds
15
**Total funds**|**26,778**
**1,167,894**
**1,194,672**
**(69,786)**|**2025**
**£**
**-**
**5,670,043**
**5,670,043**
**1,124,886**
**6,794,929**
**545,287**
**6,249,642**
**6,794,929**|_26,778_
_1,321,659_
_1,348,437_
_(87,010)_|_2024_
_£_
_15_
_4,392,665_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_4,392,680_
_1,261,427_|
||||||
|||||_5,654,107_|
|||||_490,639_
_5,163,468_|
||||||
|||||_5,654,107_|
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
**Prof. T. Wilkinson** President Date: 3 December 2025
## Kieran mcdermott
**Prof. K. McDermott** Honorary Treasurer
The notes on pages 30 to 44 form part of these financial statements.
Page 28
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Cash flows from operating activities**
Net cash used in operating activities (see note 18)
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
**Net cash used in investing activities**
**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year**
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year**
The notes on pages 30 to 44 form part of these financial statements|**2025**
**£**
**319,361**
**99,858**
**1,739,947**
**(2,222,404)**
**(382,599)**
**(63,238)**
**1,884,579**
**1,821,341**|_2024_
_£_
_721,410_
_147,707_
_3,676,681_
_(3,993,377)_
**(168,989)**
**552,421**
_1,332,158_
_1,884,579_|
|---|---|---|
Page 29
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **1. General information**
The Anatomical Society is registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee, Number 01848115. Registered Charity Number 290469. The registered office is 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1AG. The principal objectives of the Society are set out within the Trustees Report.
## **2. Accounting policies**
## **2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Anatomical Society meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting notes. The financial statements are presented in UK Sterling, which is the Society's functional currency, and rounded to the nearest pound.
## **2.2 Going concern**
Given the level of free reserves available at the year end, the valuation of the investments and the agreed publishing contract and income from Wiley through its subsidiary entity, the Trustees consider that the Society has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, this is based on reviewing budgeted spend and those available resources for a period of 12 months through to the end of 2026. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and the trustees do not believe there are any material uncertainties in relation to going concern.
## **2.3 Basis of Consolidation**
The financial statements consolidate the results of the Society and its wholly owned subsidiary, Company of Anatomists Limited (The), on a line-by-line basis. A separate Statement of Financial Activities and Income and Expenditure Account for the Society has not been presented because the Society has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
## **2.4 Income**
All income is recognised once the Society has entitlement to income, it is probable that income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
- Investment income is included when receivable.
- Publishing, events and other income are included when receivable.
- Members' subscriptions are recorded in the year in which they become due
Page 30
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.5 Expenditure**
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Costs of raising funds consist of investment management fees.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Society in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities, and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Grants payable are recorded once the Society has made an unconditional commitment to pay the grant and this is communicated to the beneficiary, or the grant has been paid, whichever is the earlier. The Society has not made any grant commitments of more than one year. The basis on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 4. Other Expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.
## **2.6 Value added tax**
Value added tax not recoverable is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
## **2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation**
Fixed Asset acquisitions or improvements are capitalised at cost.
At each reporting date the Society assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful life as follows:
- Equipment 5 - 7 years Website costs - 3 years
## **2.8 Investments**
Investments are included in the financial statements at market value at the balance sheet date.
## **2.9 Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the charitable objects of the Anatomical Society. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. There were no such funds during the year.
Restricted income funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors or by the purpose of the appeal. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in note 13.
## **2.10 Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net.
Page 31
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.11 Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## **2.12 Creditors and provisions**
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Society has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## **2.13 Employee benefits**
Short term benefits including holiday pay are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is received.
Termination benefits are accounted for on an accrual basis and in line with FRS 102.
## **2.14 Foreign Currencies**
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.
## **2.15 Financial instruments**
The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## **3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement**
In the application of the accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgement, estimates, and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affected current and future periods.
In the view of the Trustees, no assumptions concerning the future or estimation uncertainty affecting assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date are likely to result in a material adjustment to their carrying amounts in the next financial year.
Page 32
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **4. Income from charitable activities**
|Publication of journals
Membership subscriptions
Training programmes & events
_Total 2024_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
1,501,304
35,630
52,163
1,589,097
_1,557,351_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**1,501,304**
**35,630**
**52,163**
**1,589,097**
_1,557,351_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_1,483,459_
_35,254_
_38,638_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_1,557,351_|
|||||
## **5. Investment income**
|Interest receivable from UK government
stocks
UK dividends and interest
_Total 2024_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
185
24,038
7,853
67,782
8,038
91,820
_12,240_
_135,467_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**24,223**
**75,635**
**99,858**
_147,707_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_26,170_
_121,537_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_147,707_|
|||||
## **6. Investment management costs**
|Investment management fees
_Total 2024_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
2,521
_2,261_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
21,291
_17,990_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**23,812**
_20,251_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_20,251_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
Page 33
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities**
## **Summary by fund type**
|Charitable activities
_Total 2024_
Charitable activities
_Total 2024_
**Analysis of direct costs**
Graduate research
Conferences, travel and subsistence
International meetings
Prizes
Sponsorship of seminars
Subscriptions paid
Training programme
Publications of journals
Grants
_Total 2024_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
6,824
_9,504_
**Direct**
**costs**
**2025**
**£**
1,160,482
_1,167,759_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
1,311,084
_1,322,518_
**Support**
**costs**
**2025**
**£**
157,426
_164,263_
**Charitable**
**activities**
**2025**
**£**
275,739
73,784
2,274
3,687
392
17,237
11,576
724,001
51,792
1,160,482
_1,167,759_|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**1,317,908**
_1,332,022_
**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**1,317,908**
_1,332,022_
**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**275,739**
**73,784**
**2,274**
**3,687**
**392**
**17,237**
**11,576**
**724,001**
**51,792**
**1,160,482**
_1,167,759_|_Total_
_2024_
_£_
_1,332,022_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_1,332,022_|
|||||_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_317,990_
_52,672_
_1,818_
_1,704_
_2,280_
_18,210_
_8,803_
_724,261_
_40,021_|
|||||_1,167,759_|
||||||
Page 34
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)**
## **Analysis of support costs**
|Staff costs
Depreciation
Software and website
Payroll costs
Insurance
Membership charges
Telephone
Advertising
Bank charges
Secretarial support
Office rent
Journal Contract negotiations
Sundries
Governance costs
_Total 2024_|**Charitable**
**activities**
**2025**
**£**
59,847
15
(4,578)
588
6,241
12,537
-
3,841
2,351
6,940
13,376
-
5,553
50,715
157,426
_164,263_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**59,847**
**15**
**(4,578)**
**588**
**6,241**
**12,537**
**-**
**3,841**
**2,351**
**6,940**
**13,376**
**-**
**5,553**
**50,715**
**157,426**
_164,263_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_51,359_
_450_
_27,120_
_588_
_4,166_
_14,769_
_119_
_1,584_
_2,075_
_5,867_
_11,380_
_5,953_
_816_
_38,017_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_164,263_|
|||||
## **Governance costs**
|Audit fees
Committee meeting costs
Accountancy fees|**2025**
**£**
**19,800**
**20,831**
**10,084**
**50,715**|_2024_
_£_
_11,154_
_20,904_
_5,959_|
|---|---|---|
|||_38,017_|
Page 35
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **8. Staff costs**
|**Group**
_Group_
**2025**
_2024_
**£**
_£_
Wages and salaries
**52,056**
_34,902_
Social security costs
**6,470**
_12,199_
Pension costs
**1,321**
_4,258_
**59,847**
_51,359_
The average number of persons employed by the Society during the year was
**Group**
_Group_
**2025**
_2024_
**No.**
_No._
**1**
_1_|**Society**
**2025**
**£**
**52,056**
**6,470**
**1,321**
**59,847**
as follows:
**Society**
**2025**
**No.**
**1**|_Society_
_2024_
_£_
_34,902_
_12,199_
_4,258_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_51,359_|
|||_Society_
_2024_
_No._
_1_|
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
Other than the members of Council, there are no key management personnel. Council's expenses and remuneration are outlined in note 9.
## **9. Expenses of members of the Council**
The members of the Council neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year in respect of their services to the Society.
Three Symington Awards totalling £1,500 awarded to three Trustees, £500 paid to each (2024: five grants (£2,500)).
One Public Engagement/Outreach Award of £380 awarded to one Trustee.
During the year ended 30 September 2025, expenses totalling _£_ 12,135 were reimbursed or paid directly to 15 members of the Council _(2024 - £17,934 to 17 Trustees)_ .
## **10. Grants**
During the year, 16 grants were paid from the Johnson Symington Memorial Bequest Fund to assist applicants (2024: 21 grants) to deliver scientific presentations at anatomical conferences and meetings held within Great Britain and Ireland and Overseas. Three PhD studentships were awarded to researchers advancing anatomical knowledge(2024: 4 grants). Twelve Barclay Smith awards were made to early career researchers to attend Anatomical Society Scientific Meetings (2024: 7 grants). Eight undergraduate student research scholarships were also awarded to support the development of the next generation of researchers. (2024: 7 grants). One Anatomical Society Research Development Award was made (2024:1 grant).
Page 36
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**11.**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Group and Society**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2024
At 30 September 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 October 2024
Charge for the year
At 30 September 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2025
_At 30 September 2024_
**12.**
**Fixed asset investments**
**Group**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 30 September 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2025
_At 30 September 2024_|**Website and**
**equipment**
**£**
**61,914**
**61,914**
**61,899**
**15**
**61,914**
**-**
_15_
**Listed**
**investments**
**£**
**4,392,566**
**2,222,404**
**(1,739,948)**
**794,921**
**5,669,943**
**5,669,943**
_4,392,566_|
|---|---|
Page 37
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **12. Fixed asset investments (continued)**
|**Society**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 30 September 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2025
_At 30 September 2024_
All of the investments are held in the UK.
**Funds held in excess of 10% of total investments**
Coutts Actively Managed US Equity Fund
Coutts North American ESG Insights Equity Funp|**Investments**
**in**
**subsidiary**
**companies**
**£**
**100**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**100**
**100**
_100_|**Listed**
**investments**
**£**
**4,392,566**
**2,222,404**
**(1,739,948)**
**794,921**
**5,669,943**
**5,669,943**
_4,392,566_||**Total**
**£**
**4,392,666**
**2,222,404**
**(1,739,948)**
**794,921**
**5,670,043**
**5,670,043**
_4,392,666_
**2025**
**£**
**585,254**
**906,411**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
|||||**1,491,665**|
Page 38
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **13. Debtors**
|**Due within one year**
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings|**Group**
**2025**
**£**
**241,115**
**-**
**241,115**|_Group_
_2024_
_£_
_245,775_
_-_
_245,775_|**Society**
**2025**
**£**
**-**
**26,778**
**26,778**|_Society_
_2024_
_£_
_-_
_26,778_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||||_26,778_|
The amount due from the Company of Anatomists relates to balances on loans previously provided to the Company. These loans were repaid in full in November 2025. Interest is charge at 0.5% per annum above base rate with interest to be paid each year, on the anniversary of the commencement of the loan. In the year to 30 September 2025 £Nil (2024: £25,000) of these loans were repaid from the Company of Anatomist to the Anatomical Society.
## **14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
|Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income|**Group**
**2025**
**£**
**86,234**
**3,151**
**78,224**
**167,609**|_Group_
_2024_
_£_
_-_
_2,400_
_97,900_
_100,300_|**Society**
**2025**
**£**
**2,315**
**3,151**
**64,320**
**69,786**|_Society_
_2024_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_87,010_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||||_87,010_|
Page 39
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **15. Statement of funds**
## **Statement of funds - current year**
||||||**Balance at**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Balance at 1**||||**30**|
||**October**|||**Gains/**|**September**|
||**2024**|**Income**|**Expenditure**|**(Losses)**|**2025**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||||
|General Funds|**5,931,995**|**1,680,917**|**(1,332,375)**|**738,966**|**7,019,503**|
|**Restricted funds**||||||
|Johnson Symington|Memorial|||||
|Bequest Fund|**490,639**|**8,038**|**(9,345)**|**55,955**|**545,287**|
|**Total of funds**|**6,422,634**|**1,688,955**|**(1,341,720)**|**794,921**|**7,564,790**|
|**Statement of funds - prior year**||||||
||||||_Balance at_|
||_Balance at_||||_30_|
||_1 October_|||_Gains/_|_September_|
||_2023_|_Income_|_Expenditure_|_(Losses)_|_2024_|
||_£_|_£_|_£_|_£_|_£_|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||||
|General Funds|_5,141,667_|_1,692,818_|_(1,340,508)_|_438,018_|_5,931,995_|
|**Restricted funds**||||||
|Johnson Symington|Memorial|||||
|Bequest Fund|_435,678_|_12,240_|_(11,765)_|_54,486_|_490,639_|
|**Total of funds**|_5,577,345_|_1,705,058_|_(1,352,273)_|_492,504_|_6,422,634_|
|||||||
The Johnson Symington Memorial Bequest Fund was set up by Miss Nina Symington, daughter of the late Professor Symington, MD, FRCS, FRS (President of the Society 1903 – 1906), who bequeathed the residue of her estate to the Society for the purpose of encouraging anatomical research.
Page 40
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **16. Analysis of net assets between funds**
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current year**
|Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
**Total**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
524,974
5,144,969
21,278
2,041,178
(965)
(166,644)
545,287
7,019,503|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**5,669,943**
**2,062,456**
**(167,609)**
**7,564,790**|
|---|---|---|
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year**
|Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
**Total**|_Restricted_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_-_
_461,290_
_31,851_
_-_
_493,141_|_Unrestricted_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_15_
_3,931,275_
_2,098,503_
_(100,300)_
_5,929,493_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_15_
_4,392,565_
_2,130,354_
_(100,300)_
_6,422,634_|
|---|---|---|---|
Page 41
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **17. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities**
|Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
**Adjustments for:**
Depreciation charges
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
**Net cash provided by operating activities**|**Group**
**2025**
**£**
**347,235**
**15**
**(99,858)**
**4,659**
**67,310**
**319,361**|_Group_
_2024_
_£_
_352,785_|
|---|---|---|
|||_450_
_(147,707)_
_454,608_
_61,274_|
||||
|||_721,410_|
## **18. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents**
|Cash in hand
**Total cash and cash equivalents**|**Group**
**2025**
**£**
**1,821,341**
**1,821,341**|_Group_
_2024_
_£_
_1,884,579_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_1,884,579_|
## **19. Analysis of changes in net debt**
|Cash at bank and in hand|**At 1**
**October**
**2024**
**£**
**1,884,579**
**1,884,579**|**Cash flows**
**£**
**(63,238)**
**(63,238)**|**At 30**
**September**
**2025**
**£**
**1,821,341**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**1,821,341**|
## **20. Pension commitments**
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the group to the fund and amounted to £1,321 (2024 - £4,258). £110 (2024 - £Nil) was payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and is included in creditors.
Page 42
**THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **21. Related party transactions**
15 members of the Council, at the Balance sheet date, also served during the year as directors of the Company of Anatomists Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary company of the Society. The Company of Anatomists Limited will pay £769,861 (2024: £768,528) of its taxable profits to the Society by gift aid on or before 30 June 2026.
There were no other related party transactions noted in either year, and no balances were outstanding with any related parties at either Balance sheet date.
## **22. Charitable status**
The society is a registered charity (no. 290469) and accordingly, no liability to taxation arises on the results for the year to the extent that income and gains are applied to the Society’s charitable projects.
Page 43
## **THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY**
## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **23. Principal subsidiaries**
The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Society:
**Name Company Registered office or principal Class of Holding Included in number place of business shares consolidation** Company of Anatomists Limited 01838518 10 Queen Street Place, London, Ordinary 100% Yes United Kingdom, EC4R 1AG
The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:
|**Name**|**Income**|**Expenditure**|**Profit/(Loss)**|**Net assets**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|**/ Surplus/**|**£**|
||||**(Deficit) for**||
||||**the year**||
||||**£**||
|Company of Anatomists Limited|**1,508,252**|**724,002**|**769,861**|**769,961**|
Page 44