Scottish International Embalming and Post Mortem Reconstruction Conference 2026
Saturday 30th May 2026
Hosted by the Anatomy Department and Martin Jeffrey MBIE Dip Fd
The School of Medicine’s Anatomy Department is pleased to announce the upcoming Scottish International Embalming and Post Mortem Reconstruction Conference, taking place on Saturday 30th May 2026, the day after our 5 day Post Mortem Reconstruction Course (Level 1 & 2).
This year’s theme, “Passionately Advancing Embalming Excellence Through Education and Innovation,” highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting embalmers, student practitioners, funeral professionals, and those working in related fields.
This key event will bring together colleagues and experts from across the sector for:
- Thought-provoking talks and detailed case studies
Practical discussions on new techniques and developments
Opportunities to connect with peers and leading professionals
Visit our website for programme details. Conference-only tickets can be purchased.
We look forward to welcoming you to St Andrews for what promises to be an engaging and informative gathering.
Conference Details
Date
9am – 5pm, 30th May 2026
Entry requirements
This conference is for professional embalmers, student embalmers, funeral directors and associated professionals.
Ticket cost
Attendance at the Conference only – £50
Attendance to both the conference and the evening dinner and Ceilidh – £175 early bird tickets booked before 28th February 2026
Dominick J. Astorino
Professional educator
Dominick J. Astorino holds degrees in cellular biology, mortuary science and forensic medicine. He is on faculty at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and Wayne State University in Detroit, where he teaches courses in Embalming, Restorative Art and Pathology.
Dominick J. Astorino will be exploring the principal value of the embalmer, which is designed to challenge how you may view advanced restorative art cases and inspire you.
John Adams
Funeral Director, Past President, National Association of Funeral Directors, Funeral Industry Advisor to Child Bereavement UK
John Adams is a fourth-generation funeral Director from Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors in Shropshire. A past president of the National Association of Funeral Directors, John has been instrumental in leading the successful national campaign to add content on Death, Dying and Bereavement into the English curriculum; a landmark step that will now see these vital conversations introduced across schools nationwide.
Pierre‑Maxime Fugère
Founder of PMFX Academy
A passionate thanatologist, internationally recognised for his expertise in embalming and restorative art. Pierre-Maxime Fugere has dedicated his career to pushing theboundaries of his field.
As the Founder of PMFX Academy where he has taught advanced techniques in Thanatopraxy and restorative art develop and perfected over many years.
Pierre‑Maxime Fugère will be discussing worst case scenarios, restorative excellence in the face of the unthinkable.
Contessa King
Lead Embalmer and Funeral Director for Columbia Funeral Home
Contessa E King is a licensed funeral Director and Embalmer based in Seattle, Washington. Her educational background is in environmental science, art and mortuary science. Contessa has extensive training and experience in Post Mortem Reconstructive Surgery and takes an innovative approach to restorative art.
Contessa King will be exploring the anatomy and restoration of damaged or missing features by way of an introduction to Post Mortem Prosthesis.
Alain Koninckx
Embalmer and Facial Reconstruction Specialist, European School of Embalming Skills
Alain Koninckx is an embalmer and facial reconstruction specialist, owner of an embalming company in Belgium called Belgique Thanatopraxie and the Co-Director of the European School of Embalming Skills. He has experience in anatomy, plastination, long term preservation, and experience in extreme cases such as tissue gas, decomposition, Trauma, drownings.
Alain Koninckx will be exploring uncommon injection points, sometimes overlooked as a first choice by embalmers
Evening Dinner and Ceilidh
Date
Time tbc – 30th May 2026
Ceilidh
Dance the night away with our traditional ceilidh band – no experience required!
Please note that the Ceilidh takes place on the upper floor of College Hall and it is only accessible by a large staircase. There is no other accessibility to this venue. The Dinner will take place on the ground floor.
Location
Upper and Lower College Hall, St Andrews University.
Ticket Cost
£175 for entry to both the conference and the dinner.
Menus
A Set menu of a Taste of Scotland