Our Commitment to Diversity
Our Commitment to Diversity
Why diversity in research matters
At TwinsUK, we aim to understand how genetics, lifestyle and the environment influence health and disease. To do this effectively, our research needs to reflect the diversity of the population.
Historically, much health research has been based largely on people from White British backgrounds. This means that some communities are underrepresented in research, which can make it harder to understand how health and disease may affect different groups.
By improving diversity within TwinsUK, we can help make sure that:
- Research findings are relevant to a wider range of people and communities.
- Future treatments, interventions and healthcare approaches are more inclusive.
- Different experiences and perspectives are better represented in health research.
- We can improve our understanding of how genetics, lifestyle and environment may influence health across different populations.
Current representation in TwinsUK
TwinsUK is one of the largest adult twin cohorts in the UK, with more than 17,000 participants.
Our cohort currently includes around 82% women and 18% men, while around 4% of our participants are from ethnic minority backgrounds. We recognise that some groups are underrepresented in our research and are working to improve this.
We want TwinsUK to better reflect the diversity of the wider population, and we are actively looking at new ways to reach, involve and listen to people from communities that are currently less represented.
Why your participation matters
Taking part in research can help ensure that the experiences of different communities are included in the evidence that shapes our understanding of health.
For twins from ethnic minority backgrounds, participating in TwinsUK can help us:
- Make research more representative of different communities and experiences.
- Improve our understanding of how health conditions may vary between different groups.
- Identify areas where more research is needed.
- Help inform future research, healthcare and interventions.
- Contribute to research that could benefit future generations.
Your involvement can make a difference not only to TwinsUK research, but to our wider understanding of health and wellbeing.
What taking part involves
There are different ways to take part in TwinsUK research, and we aim to make participation as flexible and accessible as possible.
Depending on the study, you may be invited to:
- Complete questionnaires about your health, lifestyle and experiences.
- Take part in research studies or clinical visits.
- Provide biological samples, such as blood or other samples.
- Take part in conversations, interviews or other activities to help us understand your experiences as a participant.
You can choose which opportunities are right for you. Taking part in research is voluntary, and you can withdraw from TwinsUK at any time.
Your data and privacy
We take the privacy and security of our participants’ information seriously.
- Your personal information and research data are stored securely and managed in line with strict regulations and ethical requirements.
- Your data is only used for approved research purposes, and researchers must follow the appropriate processes when accessing TwinsUK data and samples.
- You can choose to withdraw at any time
You can find out more about how we collect, use and protect your information on our [Privacy terms and conditions] page.
Get involved
If you are interested in becoming part of TwinsUK, your participation could help us build a more diverse and representative research community.
Whether you take part in a research study, complete a questionnaire, provide a sample or share your experiences, every contribution helps us learn more about health and disease.
Join the TwinsUK community today
Help ensure research reflects the diversity of the UK
Join TwinsUK
How we are engaging with our community
We are developing new ways to listen to our participants, learn from their experiences and involve them in shaping how we communicate and engage with different communities.
Community Ambassadors
We are working with a group of twins through our Community Ambassador programme. Our ambassadors help us understand how we can better engage with different communities and make research more inclusive.
As a Community Ambassador, you may have the opportunity to:
- Share your experiences of being a twin and taking part in TwinsUK, helping others better understand what research participation involves.
- Help shape how we communicate by giving feedback on our messaging, materials and campaigns.
- Support outreach to wider communities by helping us connect with people who may not have previously considered taking part in research.
Ambassador activities are flexible and may include contributing short quotes or stories, taking part in interviews, or supporting community engagement activities.
Male Twin Stories
Currently, 18% of our TwinsUK cohort are male, so we are working to better understand and highlight the experiences of male twins.
Through our Male Twin Stories, we are inviting male twins to share their experiences of being part of TwinsUK, including what motivated them to join and what taking part in research means to them.
Sharing these experiences can help other men understand what participation involves and encourage more male twins to consider joining and contributing to research.
Ethnic Minority Twin Focus Group
Around 4% of twins in the TwinsUK cohort are from ethnic minority backgrounds. We are keen to improve this representation so that our research better reflects the diversity of the wider population and helps ensure that future findings are relevant to different communities.
Our Ethnic Minority Twin Focus Group provides an opportunity for participants to share their views, discuss what may encourage or prevent people from taking part in research, and help us identify ways to make TwinsUK more accessible and inclusive.
The feedback from this group will help us improve our communications and engagement with different communities and support our efforts to ensure that a wider range of voices are represented within TwinsUK.
Ambassador activities are flexible. By getting involved, you can play a key role in helping TwinsUK reach more diverse communities and ensure that future research reflects the experiences of everyone.
If you are interested in becoming a Community Ambassador, please email aaruthy.1.suthahar@kcl.ac.uk or laura.bello-rodriguez@kcl.ac.uk to find out more.
Help us shape the future of TwinsUK
Our participants are at the heart of TwinsUK. By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you can help us understand how we can make research more inclusive and ensure that the TwinsUK community better reflects the diversity of the population.
If you are interested in finding out more about any of these opportunities, please email aaruthy.1.suthahar@kcl.ac.uk or laura.bello-rodriguez@kcl.c.uk to get involved.
