Anatomist Gunther von Hagens Honored by Worldwide Science Museum Community

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Science Technology Centers (ASTC), representing 650 science centers and museums in nearly 50 countries, by Special Resolution of its Board of Directors, recognized Dr. Gunther von Hagens—inventor of the science of Plastination and creator of the BODY WORLDS anatomical exhibitions—for Lifetime Achievement and outstanding contribution to the public understanding of science.

"Through the technique of Plastination, Dr. Gunther von Hagens has revealed the intricate architecture and systems of the human body and allowed us to see that our bodies are at least as beautiful under the surface as they are from outside.  In the tradition of the great anatomists, he has made the study of the human body accessible to the public audience, without requiring medical training. Throughout the world, millions of science center visitors have viewed the BODY WORLDS exhibitions and been inspired, curious, touched, and forever changed," said Ms. Nancy Stueber, Nominating Committee Chair of ASTC and President & CEO of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

More than 40 million visitors in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa have seen BODY WORLDS. The traveling exhibitions of donor bodies—stemming from the world's only body donation for Plastination program at the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg, Germany—have been presented 121 times in 87 cities in 23 countries, frequently more than once by popular demand.

"I invented Plastination because I was trying only to find a better way to teach anatomy to medical students at the University of Heidelberg. When I saw the interest of non-medical people in the plastinated specimens, I realized that I had invented a science that resonated with the human longing to understand one's self," said Dr. von Hagens in accepting the recognition.

Gunther von Hagens BODY WORLDS exhibitions are multimedia experiences celebrating the human body as it navigates the 21st century. BODY WORLDS also presents Animal Inside Out, celebrating the animal kingdom. To learn more visit www.bodyworlds.com.

About ASTC
The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) is a global organization providing collective voice, professional support, and programming opportunities for science centers, museums, and related institutions, whose innovative approaches to science learning inspire people of all ages. For more information visit www.astc.org.

SOURCE BODY WORLDS