Tom Gillingwater

Tom is a professor at the University of Edinburgh, leading the Anatomy Department. He has trained thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students, instilling anatomy as a key part of their knowledge and skills.

Tom researches motor neuron disease. His work has led to a better understanding of neurological disorders and clinical trials for new treatments.

He also works with a team of colleagues to manage the University’s body donation programme, ensuring full compliance with legislation regulating the use of bodies donated for anatomical examination, education or training and medical research.

Tom has overall responsibility for Edinburgh’s Anatomical Museum and anatomical collections, one of the largest and best-preserved collections of anatomy anywhere in the world.

Known for his intellectual rigour and generosity of spirit, Tom is recognised by colleagues and students for being a compassionate mentor, an advocate for junior researchers and a consistent champion for inclusion and collaboration.