About the program

The primary function of the Body Donation Program at the University of Calgary is to provide specimens to undergraduate, postgraduate and medical programs for the purpose of teaching human anatomy.

A donation can also be helpful in medical research. Much of our research is orthopedic in nature, which means it is concerned with the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints and ligaments. Our affiliated researchers DO NOT necessarily study specific pathologies or the causes of death of our donors.

Generally studies can take anywhere from a few weeks to six years or more. The length and type of study is dependent on the current needs of our program and the suitability of the donors. We cannot predict how long a donation  will be used.

Upon completion of study, the expenses of the cremation and interment in the University of Calgary cemetery plot will be covered by the university. The executor or the next of kin will be notified by mail regarding the time and place of interment only if requested at the time of donation. Relatives who wish to claim the cremated remains for private interment may do so, but in these cases, the expenses of interment must be borne by the relatives or the estate of the deceased.