Twin Research for a healthy future

Join the largest twin registry in the UK to help advance health research

15000+

Twins

138+

Studies

1000 +

Publications

59

Researchers

Join the largest twin registry in the UK to help advance health research.

Professor Tim Spector from King’s College London set up the cohort in 1992 to investigate the incidence of osteoporosis and other rheumatologic diseases in several hundred monozygotic (identical) twins. We now have over 15,000 identical and non-identical twins from across the UK, with ages between eighteen and one hundred and our research has expanded to include multiple diseases and conditions.

Seeking Twins

We are always looking to expand our community and welcome new members.

Collaborate With Us

We aim to facilitate and encourage the sharing of TwinsUK data and samples with the world’s scientific community to promote and contribute to scientific research and generate new knowledge.

Introduction to TwinsUK

Researching the link between our genes, the environment, and common diseases.

News

New Study: It’s Getting Hot in Here –...

2nd April 2025 – by Aaruthy Suthahar At TwinsUK, we’re excited to announce our upcoming study, It’s Getting Hot in Here, launching this summer! As...

People from disadvantaged backgrounds have COVID-19 symptoms for...

21st March 2025 – By King’s College London People from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms for longer, new research suggests. The...

TwinsUK Launches New Fat Biopsy Study with First...

13th February 2025 – by Aaruthy Suthahar We have taken an exciting step forward in our mission to advance health research with the launch of...

Engagement

The Department of Twin Research endeavours to share its research findings with the public and the media wherever possible. We have both an extensive public engagement programme, as well as a strong history of media coverage, often featuring our twin volunteers.

What our twins say about us

“We have been part of Twin Research for many years now.  We thoroughly enjoy our visits to the team in London, who are always friendly and cheerful. Through Twin Research, we found out we were identical twins from our completed questionnaires.  We were always told by Mum that we were fraternal twins. Thank you, Twin Research, for confirming our suspicions! 👩‍❤️‍👩  ”

Michelle and Gemma

Over 700,000 Biological Samples Collected

We study stool, blood, urine, lung function, semen, nails, cheek swabs, saliva, MRI scans, DEXA scans, and more.

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Major Research Sponsors