Can you donate your body to science?

How do you donate your body to science and can anyone do it? Let's learn more about this alternative way of saying goodbye.

Can you donate your body to science?

In the UK (and elsewhere) you can donate your body to science. Your body can then be used by medical students and researchers to learn more about the human body and carry out research into diseases and medical conditions.


Not all donations are accepted. The cause of death and the condition of the body after death may count against the donation.



Other than that, the only limit on who can donate their body to science is a lower age limit of 17. There's no upper age limit in the UK.

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How do you donate your body to science?

To donate your body to science, you first reach out to a medical school that accepts body donations. You can find a medical school via the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) website. You should also tell your friends, your family, the executor of your Will and your GP.


The medical school will then send you consent forms. These must be signed and dated in the presence of a witness.



After you die, your executor will authorise the donation of your body and contact the medical school to arrange its transportation. The medical school will then make the final decision as to whether your body can be accepted or not.

Do you get paid for donating your body to science?

No. Donating your body to science is a voluntary process. In fact, there may be associated costs such as paying a funeral director to arrange transport for your body to the medical school.



Body donation is a charitable act. People do it to help medical students and researchers improve our understanding of the human body, develop medicines and treatments, and save lives.

Body donation FAQs

  • What is body donation?

    Body donation is a process whereby a person donates their body after death to a medical school or research institute. There it can be studied for medical purposes.

  • Is there an age limit for body donation in the UK?

    There's no upper age limit for body donation in the UK. You do, however, need to be 17 or over.

  • What is whole body donation?

    "Whole body donation" is when you leave your body to science. It's a phrase used to distinguish the process from organ and tissue donation.

  • Can anyone leave their body to science?

    Yes, anyone can leave their body to science. Sometimes, a medical school will reject a body because of a certain condition present in the body.

  • If I donate my body, will there be a funeral or memorial service?

    After a body has been donated, loved ones can hold a memorial service or celebration of life. These have to be funded by the person who died or their relatives.


    Many medical schools honour body donors and express their gratitude with annual memorial services.

  • Can a body donation be rejected?

    Sometimes, a medical school will reject a body. This can happen during the application process or after death.


    In the latter case, this could be for several reasons. It could be because of the presence of particular medical conditions or because the body has undergone a post-mortem. It could also be because too long has passed between the person's death and the body's delivery to the facility.

  • What happens if my donation isn't accepted?

    If your body donation is rejected by a medical school or institute, your next of kin will have to make funeral arrangements.

  • Can I be an organ donor and a body donor?

    Yes, you can be an organ donor and a body donor. However, if the body arrives at the medical facility with organs or tissues removed, it's likely to be unsuitable for medical study.

  • How long are bodies kept by medical schools?

    Donated bodies are usually kept in medical schools for two to three years. When they've finished with their studies, the body is cremated.

  • Can I donate my body to a body farm?

    There are currently no body farms – also known as "human taphonomy facilities" – in the UK.

Arrange the funeral you want with AFD

At Akshardham Funeral Directors, we work with people from all walks of life, faiths and backgrounds. We put our clients first, lending a listening ear and offering clear, compassionate guidance at all stages of the process. Get in touch via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.