In Memoriam: Prof. Anne Agur
The IMS community is saddened by the news that Prof. Anne Agur, a longtime IMS graduate supervisor, educator and mentor, passed away on January 26, 2026.
Prof. Agur was a much revered teacher and researcher in the University of Toronto's Division of Anatomy for nearly 50 years. An internationally recognized scholar and leader in the field of anatomy, her primary research interest was in clinically applied normal vs. pathological structure and function of the musculoskeletal system including joints, musculotendinous architecture, innervation patterns and pain-generating mechanisms and anatomy education.
Over the course of her career, Prof. Agur published more than 150 peer‑reviewed articles spanning basic science and anatomical education. She co‑authored the seminal texts Essential Clinical Anatomy and Clinically Oriented Anatomy, and served as co‑editor of Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy, books that have shaped the education of learners around the world.
Widely known for her exceptional mentorship and dedication to teaching, Prof. Agur taught histology, neuroanatomy, and embryology at U of T, influencing generations of health professionals.
For many years Prof. Agur served as the director for IMS' human anatomy course, where she taught gross anatomy of the human body from a regional viewpoint. She mentored and supported the learning of countless students in both our professional MSc in Biomedical Communications program and research-based MSc and PhD programs.
In 2013 Prof. Agur received the Mel Silverman Mentorship Award in recognition of her service as an outstanding mentor and role model for IMS graduate students. She went on to receive the Sustained Excellence in Graduate Education Award in 2022, acknowledging her enduring contributions to strengthening graduate education at IMS.
Prof. Agur will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all those from IMS who knew her.
You can read more about her enduring legacy in this tribute from the American Association for Anatomy.
