The Journal of Plastination

Report

The 21th International Conference on Plastination Istanbul, Turkey July 15-18, 2024

AUTHORS:
Dmitry A. Starchik
affiliations:

Department of Human Morphology, Northwestern State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

ABSTRACT:

From July 15 th to 18 th , 2024, the 21st International Conference on Plastination took place
in Istanbul. For the first time in the history of the International Society for Plastination (ISP), the
event was held in Turkey, along the shores of the Bosphorus, at the Kalyon Hotel. The
conference was organized by Professor Selçuk Tunalı from the University of Economics and
Technology in Ankara. Around 35 specialists from various countries participated, including
Turkey, Bulgaria, India, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Chile,
Denmark, and Canada. This was the first in-person meeting since 2018, making it particularly
significant after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The return to face-to-face
meetings provided attendees with the opportunity to restore lost connections and revive
international cooperation in this scientific field.

At the official opening on July 15 th , the significance of holding the conference in
Istanbul—a city that bridges East and West, tradition and modernity—was emphasized. The
organizers expressed the hope that the conference would mark a new milestone in the ISP’s
history, and reignite interest in plastination. Following the opening ceremony, a lecture by
Professor Mustafa Turan on the portrayal of Istanbul in film and literature took place. The first
day concluded with a welcoming reception, which was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere
thanks to excellent organization and service.

KEY WORDS:

ICP; 21th International Conference; Plastination; Turkey; Istanbul;

*CORRESPONDENCE TO:

Prof. Dmitry Starchik, Department of Human Morphology, Northwestern State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Piskarevskij prospect, 47, St. Petersburg, Russia Tel.: +7 921-956-9765; E-mail: dr.starchik@gmail.com

Article Statistics

Volume:
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Submitted Date:
Accepted Date:
Published Date: October 25, 2024

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Article Citation

The Journal of Plastination (November 5, 2024) The 21th International Conference on Plastination Istanbul, Turkey July 15-18, 2024. Retrieved from https://journal.plastination.org/articles/the-21th-international-conference-on-plastination-istanbul-turkey-july-15-18-2024/.
"The 21th International Conference on Plastination Istanbul, Turkey July 15-18, 2024." The Journal of Plastination - November 5, 2024, https://journal.plastination.org/articles/the-21th-international-conference-on-plastination-istanbul-turkey-july-15-18-2024/
The Journal of Plastination - The 21th International Conference on Plastination Istanbul, Turkey July 15-18, 2024. [Internet]. [Accessed November 5, 2024]. Available from: https://journal.plastination.org/articles/the-21th-international-conference-on-plastination-istanbul-turkey-july-15-18-2024/
"The 21th International Conference on Plastination Istanbul, Turkey July 15-18, 2024." The Journal of Plastination [Online]. Available: https://journal.plastination.org/articles/the-21th-international-conference-on-plastination-istanbul-turkey-july-15-18-2024/. [Accessed: November 5, 2024]

INTRODUCTION

From July 15 th to 18 th , 2024, the 21st International Conference on Plastination took place
in Istanbul. For the first time in the history of the International Society for Plastination (ISP), the
event was held in Turkey, along the shores of the Bosphorus, at the Kalyon Hotel. The
conference was organized by Professor Selçuk Tunalı from the University of Economics and
Technology in Ankara. Around 35 specialists from various countries participated, including
Turkey, Bulgaria, India, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Chile,
Denmark, and Canada. This was the first in-person meeting since 2018, making it particularly
significant after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The return to face-to-face
meetings provided attendees with the opportunity to restore lost connections and revive
international cooperation in this scientific field.

Participants from Turkey, Bulgaria, India, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Chile, Denmark, and Canada attend the 21th International Conference on Plastination held in Istanbul, Turkey.

At the official opening on July 15 th , the significance of holding the conference in
Istanbul—a city that bridges East and West, tradition and modernity—was emphasized. The
organizers expressed the hope that the conference would mark a new milestone in the ISP’s
history, and reignite interest in plastination. Following the opening ceremony, a lecture by
Professor Mustafa Turan on the portrayal of Istanbul in film and literature took place. The first
day concluded with a welcoming reception, which was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere
thanks to excellent organization and service.

The scientific program of ICP 2024 included a variety of presentations and discussions.
On the second day of the conference, presentations were given on the fundamental aspects of plastination as well as its application in education and research. The presentations on silicone and epoxy plastination techniques, which have become traditional topics at such events, attracted special interest. During the scientific sessions, participants exchanged experiences and knowledge, which was particularly valuable for young specialists starting their careers in this
field. The third day of the conference focused on the applied aspects of plastination, including the creation of laboratories, opening up new opportunities for the expansion of this technique in new regions and countries.

Discussions on attracting new members to the society of plastinators were an important part of the conference. Participants emphasized the importance of continuing the work started by Gunther von Hagens and Harmon Bickley, highlighting the need to adapt techniques for new educational and research initiatives. It was also stressed that to attract young people, it is necessary to provide them with opportunities for training and internships in plastination laboratories around the world.

In addition to the scientific program, participants enjoyed a cultural program, visiting Istanbul's landmarks such as Sultanahmet Square (Fig 2.), the Blue Mosque (Fig. 2), the Topkapi Palace (Fig 4.), and the Archaeological Museum. Guided tours (Fig. 3) allowed them to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Turkey, making their stay in Istanbul not only professionally enriching but also culturally rewarding.

Fig.2 - Sultanahmet Square and the Blue Mosque

Fig.3 - Guided tours (Fig.3) allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Turkey

Fig. 4- Topkapi Palace

The evening gala dinner provided an excellent opportunity for informal networking and strengthening of friendships. Warm words were shared about the importance of face-to-face meetings and the need to continue international collaboration in the field of plastination. Special thanks were expressed to the organizing committee and Professor Tunalı for the excellent organization of the event and their warm hospitality.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants departed with new ideas and inspiration that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of plastination. Many noted that participating in such events not only facilitates the exchange of knowledge but also inspires new projects and long-term collaborations with colleagues from different countries. The conference demonstrated that, despite challenges, interest in plastination remains strong and, in fact, is gaining new momentum.

Photos by Patrick W. Frank

REFERENCES

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