Anatomists positioned to teach not just “any body” through public engagement, science communication, outreach, and service‐learning

Anatomy is personal. It is the study of ourselves, of the structures that make us human, of the parts we rarely see but constantly feel. Yet, for most people, anatomy is something distant. It lives in textbooks, in sterile diagrams, in the hands of professionals. It is rarely spoken about in ways that invite curiosity or connection. Historically, Anatomical Sciences Education has not been a regular venue for publishing studies on anatomy outreach and science communication. Only nine papers have specifically addressed topics that fall under the broad umbrella of public engagement. These papers explored diverse initiatives, including anatomy workshops for school-aged children, collaborative projects between medical students and local communities, innovative strategies for promoting anatomical literacy among the general public, and service-learning.1-9 This special issue on Anatomical Engagement and Science Communication offers an invitation to change this. We live in a time when scientific and medical information is more accessible than ever, but also more confusing. The internet has democratized knowledge, but it has also amplified misinformation. In this landscape, the ability to communicate clearly—to distill complex ideas into language that resonates—is not just helpful; it is essential.10 While anatomical sciences are not the only basic or clinical disciplines engaged in outreach and service-learning, anatomists bring a unique perspective to this work.11-13 We possess both a technical understanding of the body and a deep appreciation for its personal significance. Our familiarity with medical terminology is complemented by an awareness of the human stories that exist beyond the science. This dual expertise enables us, when working with the public, to help bridge the often-overlooked divide between simply knowing and truly understanding. At the same time, we recognize that other scientific fields also make important contributions to outreach and service-learning, enriching the broader conversation and deepening public engagement. Public engagement in anatomy is not about simplifying. It is about clarifying. It is about finding the words, images, and metaphors that make anatomy feel relevant. It is about helping people see themselves in the science. It is about really listening to what people need to know, what they are afraid to ask, and what they already understand in ways we might not expect. The contributors to this issue are doing that work. They are experimenting with comics, podcasts, museum exhibits, and social media. They are bringing anatomy into classrooms, community centers, and living rooms. They are asking hard questions about ethics, representation, and accessibility. They are showing us that anatomical engagement is not a niche interest. It is a vital part of what it means to be an educator, a scientist, and a citizen. We are fortunate to have Adam Taylor, Janet Philp, and Kat Sanders as guest editors (Figure 1). Each brings a distinct voice and a deep commitment to public-facing anatomical scholarship. Adam Taylor teaches anatomy at Lancaster Medical School in the United Kingdom with the kind of energy that makes you lean in. His passion is palpable, whether he is in the classroom, writing for print, or speaking on radio. He is interested not just in what students know, but in what the public understands, and how that understanding can shape better communication in health care. When he is not teaching, he is often applying anatomy in the gym, which feels like the most Adam Taylor thing imaginable: living the science he teaches. Janet Philp brings anatomy to life in ways that are tactile, visual, and unexpected. Based at Edinburgh Medical School, she is not only an educator and researcher but also a textile artist who creates anatomical felt models and explores how anatomy intersects with sports and historical swordsmanship. Her work reminds us that anatomy is not confined to the lab or lecture hall; it is something we can touch, move through, and experience. Janet's current research explores how engagement contributes to public awareness of their own anatomy, and her teaching is infused with creativity and care. Kat Sanders, from the University of Sydney in Australia, brings a different kind of spark. Their work is rooted in curiosity and community, and their approach to anatomy is anything but conventional. Kat is a co-founder (with Janet) of Anatomy Nights, a public engagement initiative that invites anatomists to share their enthusiasm with adult audiences in pubs, libraries, and local venues. It is anatomy stripped of pretense, delivered with humor and heart. Kat's academic work explores the hidden curriculum of anatomy, especially around death and dying. Their public engagement reflects a deep commitment to making those conversations accessible, honest, and human. Together, Adam, Janet, and Kat have curated a volume that reflects the best of what anatomical engagement can be. This issue is not a conclusion. It is a beginning. It is a reminder that anatomy does not belong only to those who study it professionally. It belongs to everyone with a body. When we talk about it in accessible language, we open the door to better understanding, better connection, and better care. Jason M. Organ: Conceptualization; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing. Jonathan J. Wisco: Conceptualization; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing.