The Global Neuroanatomy Network: An online community of practice for sharing knowledge and resources in neuroanatomy education

Laura .Y Whitburn¹, Amanda J. Meyer², Melissa A. Carroll³, Mikaela L. Stiver⁴

¹Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Australia; ²Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Biology, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia; ³Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; ⁴Division of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Objectives: Anatomy educators worldwide share challenges when teaching and engaging students with neuroanatomy. Our team identified a need to build a global community of practice for neuroanatomists, to facilitate peer support and resource sharing.
Methods: Seed funding from the American Association for Anatomy Innovations Program was obtained to design and create an online platform where members can access a curated database of clinical cases and teaching resources. The core team developed the initial set of resources, drawing on the real-world experiences of the clinicians and educators in our team. A peer review process was developed, ensuring all resources are accurate, pedagogically aligned, and presented through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Results: The resulting Global Neuroanatomy Network (GNN) was created by 23 neuroanatomists representing 22 institutions from 11 countries across five continents and nine languages. The online platform was launched in late 2023. This platform includes a database of clinical cases and teaching resources (such as 3D printing data sets, interactive activities, and lesson plans). Neuroanatomy educators from any tertiary institution globally can register for free access. We are currently working to grow our community and encourage the submission of cases and teaching resources from members.
Conclusion: The GNN is an online community of practice and resource repository for neuroanatomy educators worldwide. As it grows, it will support global equity and accessibility in neuroanatomy education by providing educators with free, pedagogically sound resources in various formats and languages that incorporate culturally sensitive and regionally relevant content to members worldwide.

Funding statement: Funding from the American Association for Anatomy Innovations Program was received.