Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is situated about 30 km north of the capital city of Pretoria in South Africa. It is the only university in the country specialising exclusively on health sciences with five schools: School of Medicine, School of Healthcare Sciences, School of Oral Health, School of Pharmacy and the School of Science & Technology. Around 6 300 students attend and study a range of programmes including undergraduate, postgraduate and research. SMU managers Work Package 2 (Development) and Work Package 4 (Dissemination and Exploitation).

The funding obtained through the Dirisana+ grant has opened opportunities for collaboration in research projects beyond the university to neighbouring institutions: the University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Stellenbosch and also the University of Namibia.

Through the Dirisana+ grant, we were able to train a medical student in his MBChB 3 and 4 to design a research protocol in the Research Selective module. The protocol subsequently received ethics clearance through the institutional review board – the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Research and Ethics Committee (SMUREC). The research project is at data collection phase and the student will be further be mentored on multiple sites collaboration (SMU, WITS, UNAM and UP), research report write-up and publication.

Project staff

Prof Anna Oettlé Overall Project and Dissemination Manager Department of Anatomy and Histology	Patria Hartmann Local Project Manager Department of Anatomy and Histology	Dr Clarisa van der Merwe Off-site Project Manager Department of Anatomy and Histology	Marisca Meyer Social Media Manager Department of Anatomy and Histology

Institutional highlights

SMU researchers, in collaboration with Dirisana+, are driving a dynamic initiative to strengthen anatomy education. Through a series of outreach events, they are showcasing anatomical models acquired by SMU to students at a private higher institution. This collaborative effort not only highlights the commitment to enrich anatomical education, but also demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating immersive learning experiences. These outreach events provide students with hands-on access to intricately detailed anatomical models, bridging the gap between theory and practice. SMU educators are enhancing learning by enabling students to interact directly with anatomical structures. This outreach sets a precedent for future endeavours that unite academia, research, and education for the benefit of all.

The Department of Anatomy together with Dirisana + had an outreach to a nearby school, where the students had the opportunity to play games relating to the anatomical models. 

Paving the Path for Future Anatomy Researchers and Inspiring Young Minds at SMU Open Day In the world of anatomical research, the impact of funding goes beyond the immediate research projects, extending its influence into the realm of education and inspiration.  An excellent example of this influence was witnessed at the recent SMU Open Day, where SMU researchers involved in Dirisana Plus set up an engaging anatomy stall. This strategic participation aimed not only to showcase research outcomes but also to ignite the curiosity of young minds. The stall became a hub of interactive displays and engaging discussions about the human body.intricacies. Aspiring researchers and students had the unique opportunity to interact with Dirisana Plus-funded researchers, gaining insights into their work and the exciting possibilities that anatomical research holds.

By bridging the gap between research and education, SMU demonstrated its dedication to fostering the researchers of tomorrow. The stall at the SMU Open Day exemplified how the organisation is not only invested in advancing current anatomical knowledge but is equally enthusiastic about nurturing the aspirations of young minds. Through this combined effort, Dirisana Plus plays a transformative role, shaping the future of anatomical teaching, learning and research and inspiring generations to come.