Invitation to take online research survey on ethics of human remains in historical anatomical collections in the US
Submitted 11/02/2026 by Sian Halcrow
Dear colleague,
We invite you to take part in our online research survey, to explore ethical perspectives on the use, curation, display, and/or possible repatriation of human skeletal remains in historical anatomical collections** in the US. This is being carried out by Professor Sabrina Agarwal at the University of California Berkeley and Professor Siân Halcrow from the University of Otago in New Zealand and the University of Durham in the UK. This survey is only open to researchers and/or teachers at US institutions. This is strictly anonymous (you do not have to give your name or affiliation if you do not wish to).
The study involves an online survey lasting 10-15 minutes and participation is completely voluntary. Risks may include discomfort when asked questions about human skeletal remains. There is no direct benefit to you. However, results from the study may inform best practice in the ethical treatment of these collections. If you are at least 18 years old, and would like more information about participating, contact: Sabrina Agarwal agarwal@berkeley.edu or Sian Halcrow sian.halcrow@otago.ac.nz
Please use this link to access the online consent form for access to the survey.
https://berkeley.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mX6c38JrIgfT1A
**We are interested in human remains in historical anatomical skeletal collections (non-archaeological, non-fossilized), including any skeletons or parts of skeletons that have been collected in the past and continue to be held in institutions. These may have been acquired commercially; from coroner or hospital remains; from pathologist skeletal samples; and/or from cold cases including unclaimed persons, etc. These human remains in historical anatomical skeletal collections often do not meet modern "best practice" of acquisition and curation today in line with modern ethical and cultural considerations. NB: This survey is NOT for known or potential Native American or Native Hawaiian ancestral remains that fall under NAGPRA protection or repatriation laws. Do not include or report information on any NAGPRA-eligible holdings at your institution here. If you do have any concerns about NAGPRA or potential NAGPRA related skeletal individuals please contact your designated NAGPRA officer or the Branch of Cultural Resources Management at the Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs. https://www.bia.gov/service/nagpra#contact-us-2 NAGPRA@bia.gov (505) 879-9711. If you are in California, please also contact the Commission at CalNAGPRA@nahc.ca.gov (916) 373-3710.
This research has been reviewed by the Committee for Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS# 2023-12-17009)
Sian Halcrow
sian.e.halcrow@durham.ac.uk