The opening session began with remarks from Professor Artur Silva, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Aveiro and President of the Egas Moniz Health Alliance (EMHA). He welcomed attendees and thanked the University teams and institutional partners whose collaboration made the project possible, describing it as a strategic investment in education and research. Professor Silva highlighted the altruism and generosity of body donors, emphasising the profound respect and gratitude owed to them within a robust legal and ethical framework supported by rigorous institutional protocols. He concluded by underlining the University's commitment to innovation grounded in ethical principles, stressing that, despite the technological advances involved, the programme ultimately places people at its centre.

Professor Francisco Amado, Director of the University's Department of Medical Sciences, noted that the occasion celebrated far more than the opening of a new facility. He reflected on the origins of the project, which began with the creation of the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine, accredited by A3ES just over a year earlier, and praised the exceptional dedication that enabled the programme to welcome its first cohort of students in 2024. He affirmed that the University's health ecosystem has become significantly stronger, highlighting the importance of integrating education, training, and research to achieve excellence in healthcare while generating broader societal and economic impact.

Professor Rui Costa, Director of the School of Health Sciences, described the Anatomical Theatre as a timely addition that will support anatomy education, continuing professional development, and research. He also highlighted the School's investment in advanced equipment for imaging, dosimetry, and simulation, acknowledging the support provided by the University's Rectorate.

Representing the Portuguese Government, Dr Ana Povo, Secretary of State for Health, expressed her pride in attending the event and shared her personal connection to anatomy, the field in which she completed her doctoral studies. She recalled the early development of the EMHA Academic Clinical Centre and the involvement of the partner Local Health Units in the project. While advocating for the use of new technologies in healthcare, she stressed that they should never replace the human connection that lies at the heart of medicine. She also reaffirmed the importance of decentralising medical education and announced the forthcoming revision of the legislation governing the medical academic career, which has remained largely unchanged since 1999. She concluded by stating that the University of Aveiro is now well positioned to become a national leader in the field of medical devices.

The programme continued with an address by Professor António Amaro, Director of the Anatomical Theatre, who reflected on the history of anatomy teaching and thanked Professor Artur Silva for championing the creation of the University's Anatomical Theatre, which has been named in honour of Egas Moniz. He recognised the dedication of the Anatomical Theatre team, with special acknowledgement to Miguel Pais Vieira, the facility's coordinator and a key figure in the project, whose expertise includes postgraduate training in anatomical dissection. He also thanked the Aveiro Local Health Unit (ULSRA) and the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, particularly Luís Cardoso, for their technical and logistical support. A special tribute was also paid to the artist Lúcia Seabra for creating the ceramic tile artwork that decorates the entrance to the Anatomical Theatre.

Closing the formal presentations, Professor Firmino Machado, Director of the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine, expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Secretary of State and highlighted the strong collaboration between the University, its institutional partners, and representatives of civil society. He explained how the Body Donation Programme operates, emphasising that participation begins with an informed and voluntary personal decision. He thanked the institutional leaders who have supported the initiative, the technical team responsible for its implementation, the collaboration with ULSRA, and, above all, the individuals who have already chosen to donate their bodies to science through the University of Aveiro.

The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by the UA Alumni Duo "Beija-flor", followed by a guided tour of the facilities and the official inauguration of the Anatomical Theatre by the Secretary of State for Health.

A private discussion on body donation for science was also held, providing an opportunity to explore important ethical and practical issues and to answer questions from participants. EMHA extends its sincere appreciation to the patient associations and representatives of civil society who took part in this dialogue.

EMHA warmly congratulates everyone involved in achieving these important milestones, which reflect the collective efforts of a growing healthcare ecosystem committed to excellence in education, research, innovation, and patient care.

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