NDAN - Cat Irving and A Rotten Business: Human Decomposition

About
When we die, our body starts a new journey: that of decomposition. This is nature’s recycling, breaking down our body, and returning it to the earth. For those who work with the dead, however, decomposition can be a problem, standing in the way of the way we can interact with our lost loved ones, triggering a disgust reaction that can be at odds with our feelings for the deceased. This talk by human remains conservator Cat Irving will look at the process of decomposition, and what death workers can expect if they encounter it, as well as exploring some of the steps that have been taken to stop it happening.Cat Irving has been the Human Remains Conservator for Surgeons’ Hall since 2015. After a degree in Anatomical Science, she began removing brains and sewing up bodies at the Edinburgh City Mortuary, where she saw many bodies in various states of decomposition. Cat is a licensed anatomist, and gives regular talks on anatomy and medical history.
Date
Friday 13 June 2025 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10)Location
Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser