Aaruthy Suthahar

My First Week At TwinsUK

Posted on 24/07/202424/07/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

24th July 2024 – by Ulani Arkhurst

As a BSc Biomedical Science student at Imperial College London, I had not been lucky enough to interact directly with many participants of research studies. On only the second day of my internship with TwinsUK I was able to watch a pair of twins throughout their visit to the study clinic. The twins were extremely friendly and a pleasure to talk to, but I was most surprised at how happy they were to take part in the study. I do not know many twins personally, so it was heartwarming to sense the connection between two people who seem to be so in tune with each other. The particular set of twins that I shadowed live in different parts of the country and so aside from taking part in the study, the clinic visit was a nice opportunity for the twins to catch up with each other.

My typical experience of science has been studying samples at the lab bench or analysing results on the computer. It felt refreshing to observe the twins on their visit to begin to establish an idea of how the data I so often work with is actually produced. I believe that experiences such as this, where researchers are confronted with the faces behind the data they receive, are extremely important for producing well-rounded scientists who can appreciate the massive contribution of study participants to their work.

It was also interesting to see certain ideas from throughout my studies in practice. For example, research ethics (that is, how to carry out research in a way that is moral) was something I had learned during university. During my time at TwinsUK, I was shown the high standards that the researchers hold themselves to. To me, it is more important than ever to ensure that ethical standards are maintained as more people participate in scientific research than ever before.

This experience was extremely eye-opening for me as I was able to witness firsthand the sheer amount of effort that goes into coordinating a massive research department like TwinsUK. I have seen that the success of TwinsUK is, in part, due to the huge sense of collaboration that encompasses the group. Every person I interacted with during my first week welcomed me and tried their best to ensure my comfort. Alongside this, everyone was very open and willing to spend a few minutes chatting with me about their individual role within the wider research group.

As I come to the end of the first week of my internship with TwinsUK, I feel reassured about entering the world of research in the near future. I have seen the variety of roles available to me as a young scientist and have gained a deeper appreciation for the huge contribution that participants make to the progress of scientific research. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to the rest of my summer with the TwinsUK team.

My Work Experience With TwinsUK

Posted on 24/07/202424/07/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

24th July 2024 – by Bronwen Price

I initially contacted TwinsUK trying to find year 12 work experience. I had been listening to a podcast by Tim Spector (a health scientist), and after doing a little bit of research, this lead me to Twins UK, which he founded. I was extremely lucky to get a placement here.

I was excited but nervous on my way for my first day at King’s College London. But I needed not to worry – from the moment I got there I was greeted with friendly faces. Everyone was lovely, happy to help and enthusiastic about their work.

On the Monday I learnt about research ethics, attended one of the staff meetings and was shown around the labs. Already I was surprised by just how many different roles are required for one project. It widened my perspective into how many different career paths there can be in one area, whether that be a science communicator, project manager, clinician nurse or lab technician, and so much more. I had the opportunity to talk to so many different people about their experiences at TwinsUK, and what lead them here. Everyone was so willing to help, and it was really helpful to talk about their university experiences as this is the next step I am considering.

On Tuesday, I had a call from home on science communication and engagement. It was really insightful to learn that even coming from a science background – many roles still involve other skills such as creativity and communication. It was interesting to learn about how TwinsUK work to involve as many people as possible in science, encourage twins to join the study, and make the information accessible to people who may not be from a science background.

Additionally, I had exposure to a hybrid work environment. Working from home twice a week allowed me to participate in teams calls and virtual learning. And then of course travelling into London to meet everyone in person was exciting and such a valuable experience, especially on Thursday which is when the whole team is in together. It allowed me to consider what kind of work environment I would thrive in in the future.

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to follow a twin’s experience on the clinic. I was able to shadow a wide variety of different tests, and see how the team made the visits worthwhile and enjoyable for the volunteers. This was my favourite part of the whole week; it was so inspiring to see the clinic team at work and helped me gain experience that will help me decide on my future career path.

We were able to meet a large cohort of the team at TwinsUK, learn about what they do, their career paths and what lead them here. Again, it was a valuable insight to the working world and made me realise how many different opportunities are out there.

Overall it was an amazing experience, from which I learnt so much I will use as I move forward. I am extremely grateful for this experience, and to have had an insight into what a science degree could potentially lead me to. A huge thank you to everyone who was so friendly and eager to help, and I would highly recommend to anyone considering a career in science or healthcare to apply for work experience here. Thank you!

Largest Ever Genetic Study of Age of Puberty Includes TwinsUK Contribution

Posted on 17/07/202417/07/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

17th July 2024 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

In a study published in Nature Genetics, researchers conducted the largest-ever investigation into the genetic determinants of pubertal timing in girls, analysing data from approximately 800,000 women worldwide. This study has identified 1,080 genetic signals associated with the age at menarche (the first menstrual cycle in females), significantly advancing our understanding of the genetic influences on puberty and its links to later health outcomes.

TwinsUK, which provided data from around 6,000 twin participants, played a great role in this large-scale study. The inclusion of twins’ genetic information allowed researchers to delve deeper into the hereditary patterns and environmental interactions that influence pubertal timing.

The study found that women with very high or very low genetic risk had much higher chances of experiencing puberty either very late or very early. Specifically, women in the top 1% of genetic risk were 11 times more likely to have delayed puberty, while those in the bottom 1% were 14 times more likely to have early puberty. Researchers also found that some rare genetic changes, especially in the ZNF483 gene, could cancel out the effect of overall genetic risk.

The study also discovered 665 genes linked to when puberty starts, including the GPR83 gene, which helps the body detect changes in nutrition and send hormonal signals. The results suggest a link between the timing of puberty and menopause, pointing to a shared mechanism in the ovaries that might influence both stages of life.

The study has garnered significant media attention, with detailed coverage provided by the University of Cambridge. For more information, you can read the Cambridge press release HERE.

TwinsUK participants can take pride in knowing that their contributions are helping to advance scientific knowledge in critical areas of health and development. The findings from this study not only enhance our understanding of puberty but also open up potential avenues for addressing related health issues in the future.

For further details on the study, you can access the full article in Nature Genetics HERE.

We spoke to TwinsUK researcher Dr Emily Leeming about her new book “Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain”

Posted on 17/07/202417/07/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

17th July 2024 – by TwinsUK

What inspired you to write “Genius Gut”?

I wanted to share that what you eat can affect how you feel right now – how mentally sharp you feel, your mood, and how energetic you are. For too long the brain has been thought as separate to the rest of the body, and that’s not the case at all. And the gut has been hugely overlooked, it does so much more than just digest your food – it’s your second brain. It’s highly complex, containing its own nervous system, with more nerve cells than there are in your spinal cord. And its home to your gut microbiome, that can signal to your brain.

What is Genius Gut?

Genius Gut is a book for everyone – if you have a gut and a brain, then this book is for you! It’s an easy guide to the science of the gut-brain connection, and our latest understanding of how gut microbes signal to the brain influencing mood, cognition and behaviour. There are ten simple hacks on how and what to eat for your gut bacteria, brainpower and to feel your best, packed with actionable tips and advice based on my research in nutrition and the microbiome at King’s College London, and as a registered dietitian.

Can you explain the connection between our gut and brain in simple terms?

It’s the science behind the phrases “gut feelings” and “I’ve got butterflies in my stomach”. For too long we’ve thought of the gut as only a food factory, when in fact it’s intimately connected with the CEO of your body – your brain. Your gut and your brain are physically connected through your vagus nerve, a long wandering nerve that reaches down from your brain to your upper body, including your gut. And your gut microbes can signal to your brain, through your vagus nerve, but also via metabolites, hormones and the immune system.

What are some common misconceptions about the gut-brain connection that your book addresses?

I wanted to highlight in Genius Gut how connected the brain and the gut really are. We talk about mental health and physical health as if they are two separate things. But we’re now understanding that many conditions and diseases of the mind can start in the gut or can be influenced by what we eat. Up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease also have constipation, that can appear as much as 20 years before movement and cognitive symptoms. In Alzheimer’s disease there’s a harmful build-up of mis-folding proteins in the brain, and there’s now early evidence in mice that these proteins could start in the gut first. You’re six times more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease if you have inflammatory bowel disease. And if you have irritable bowel syndrome, you’re significantly more likely to have anxiety and depression.

How does the gut microbiome influence our mental health?

Many people online claim that “90% of your feel-good serotonin is made in your gut”. While it’s true that 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, this serotonin primarily helps with your digestion and it’s too large a molecule to pass through your blood-brain barrier to your brain. However, your gut bacteria do play an important role in helping your brain access the building blocks needed to produce your feelgood serotonin, as these smaller molecules can pass through the blood-brain barrier, for your brain to make serotonin itself.

How does the gut microbiome influence our cognition?

What microbes you have matters for your brain and cognition. For example, babies born via C-section initially receive their first batch of microbes from the hospital environment rather than from their mother. However, when these babies were given some of their mother’s vaginal microbiome for their guts, they had significantly better neurodevelopment at six months old than other c-section babies.

Gut bacteria are linked to differences in the size of the hippocampus, memory and cognitive skills throughout childhood and adolescence, with the brain continuing to develop up until 25 years old. Microbes matter later in life as well, helping to lower excess inflammation that can damage the brain. In aging mice, a microbiome transplant from their more youthful counterparts improved memory and reversed signs of brain aging. Research from our department of Twins Research has also highlighted this connection between microbes and cognition. Colleagues found that a prebiotic fibre supplement, which feeds your ‘good’ gut bacteria, improved performance in memory tests in just three months.

How has your personal journey influenced the insights and solutions offered in “Genius Gut”?

What many people don’t know about me is that I spent the first part of my career as a private chef. So it’s important to me that food is delicious, and that there’s room for the occasional cake or chocolate too. I strongly believe we need to recognise the joy that food brings – and that how we think about food matters too – do you beat yourself up for enjoying a slice of cake, or do you savour it and move on? When we talk about the gut-brain connection we aren’t only talking about the gut talking to the brain, but also how the brain talks to the gut; how stress and mood can affect your food choices, your digestion, and your microbes. Healthy eating for your gut-brain connection is about balance.

Dr Emily Leeming, Registered Dietitian and Research Fellow at Department of Twins Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London.

Dr Emily’s book, Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for your Second Brain is available to buy now.

You can also subscribe to her free weekly newsletter on Substack, called Second Brain

Socials: @dremilyleeming

My First Week At TwinsUK

Posted on 17/07/202417/07/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

17th July 2024 – Nawal Mohamouod

The introductory week of my internship at TwinsUK comprised of a collection of seminars and meetings that enabled me to be introduced to every component of the department. Whether that be shadowing the clinic team or aiding the admin department, I was able to truly understand the inner workings of TwinsUK.

We began with scrutinising the importance of research ethics. As an intern, I appreciated the idea that we start with a topic that is so fundamental to research and participant protection. What I particularly enjoyed was acting as an ethics committee alongside the other interns and work experience students. We were given an assortment of project proposals and were asked to contemplate factors such as consent, risks and benefits to decide if we should approve, issue a caveat or reject the proposal.

Subsequently, we were invited to an operations meeting that outlined upcoming tasks between each department. It was at this moment where I was able to appreciate the diversity amongst the different roles within TwinsUK. Next, we were quickly introduced to the communications and engagement team, where I was shown the numerous platforms in which TwinsUK not only engages with participating twins but also the wider public. I was also given a brief preliminary outline on the context surrounding the project that I will be working on in the coming weeks.

Moreover, I was introduced to the clinical department of TwinsUK. I had the opportunity to shadow a clinic visit which involved collecting blood, stool and urine samples. Furthermore, a plethora of tests were carried out, which hoped to measure memory and active recall. The visit concluded with a lung capacity test as well as a bone density scan that imaged the participants’ hip and lumbar vertebrae which was then followed by a full body scan. This proved to be the highlight of my week as through building a connection with the twins I can truly recognise that TwinsUK believe that participants are more than just data.

Alternatively, the administrative side to the department was where I saw the inception of how studies are carried out. I was directed to ways in which TwinsUK recruit as well as how they maintain participant retention for their longitudinal projects. Also I was able to organise sample testing kits and information booklets to be sent postally in preparation for clinic visits.

Lastly, I was able to sit in a department seminar that hosted external speakers who presented their research topic. I was enlightened to see the scaling of information and complexities from my undergraduate degree.

To conclude, I thoroughly enjoyed my induction to TwinsUK and I’m excited to see the progression of the project throughout this placement.

My Week At TwinsUK

Posted on 17/07/202417/07/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

17th July 2024 – Ruby Richardson

My past five days with TwinsUK have been amazing, every single staff member I met was so welcoming and helpful, and it has just been an overall wonderful week. I am extremely grateful for my opportunity as it has led me to discover a multitude of different career paths which I otherwise may never have even heard of, and it ultimately solidified my decision to pursue science further in my education.

During my first day I was able to spend time learning about the work that is done at TwinsUK, and the importance of ethics in scientific research. I was thankful for the opportunity to join the operations meeting as it provided an idea of all the hard work that goes into the program. I was extremely excited to see the labs in the afternoon, and gain an understanding of what is done with the samples provided by the twins. As I had never been in any sort of lab setting it was such an interesting experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Furthermore, the staff were so helpful answering any questions I had about the process and their jobs. I liked learning about their different backgrounds as it will certainly help when deciding what course to choose at university.

One of the main highlights of my week was shadowing a morning twin visit in the clinic. It was so interesting to see all the tests that were done- ranging from blood tests to balance. I loved seeing how happy the twins were to be involved in the project. And once again I really appreciated having the opportunity to speak with members of staff about their experience and their backgrounds too.

Across the week I also spent time with the admin and data teams- it was good to learn about other aspects of scientific research- away from the wet lab and clinical visits. I didn’t realise just how many different jobs there are and I enjoyed speaking with staff about what they do and how it all fits in with the studies.

Each person I spoke to across the week seemed to really enjoy their role and the department genuinely seems like such a wonderful place to work. There is so much effort that goes into research and it was so nice to see how connected the staff were. It was definitely inspiring and has made me excited for my future, hopefully working in a similar field.

Overall, this work experience has been even better than i hoped for- i gained an awareness of so many different areas which i never would have, had i not had this opportunity, and for that i am so grateful. I would definitely recommend TwinsUK as a work experience placement as it has just been such an amazing time.

Researchers challenge focus on rural older adults in Chris Whitty’s latest health report

Posted on 04/06/202406/06/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

Tuesday 4th June – by Aaruthy Suthahar

In a report published this week in Clinical Medicine, researchers from the Centre for Ageing Resilience in a Changing Environment (CARICE) show that contrary to that suggested in Chris Whitty’s latest annual Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report for England, most older adults live in urban areas rather than rural areas. Adding in self-reported health as a measure of need for services, a more complex picture of ageing demographics emerged, suggesting a need for a nuanced understanding when planning healthcare services and resource allocation.

According to Nathan Cheetham, Senior Postdoctoral Data Scientist:

“Chris Whitty’s latest report as Chief Medical Officer highlights the importance of understanding the geography of ageing in England. However, it’s crucial to consider both absolute and relative population metrics for a comprehensive view.”

Census 2021 data indicates that approximately three-quarters of older adults in England and Wales, equivalent to 8.4 million individuals, live in urban regions. This challenges the emphasis placed on rural and coastal areas in the CMO report.

Professor Claire J. Steves, specialising in Ageing and Health, emphasises:

“We need to move beyond simplistic rural-urban dichotomies when planning healthcare services. The absolute numbers and health needs of older adults in urban areas demand attention. This is particularly important as we experience more climate change-related heat waves which mostly affect urban hotspots. Older people living in such places also tend to be more vulnerable.”

“This is particularly important as we experience more climate change-related heat waves which mostly affect urban hotspots. Older people living in such places are the most vulnerable group.”

Projected population growth further complicates assumptions about urban-rural dynamics. Rather than shrinking, urban areas are projected to experience significant growth in older populations over the next two decades, with a projected increase of 43% compared to 48% in rural areas by 2043.

Disparities in health outcomes underscore the need for subtle policy responses, urban-dwelling older adults are not only more numerous but also more likely to reside in deprived neighbourhoods and report poorer health compared to their rural counterparts.

Investing in preventive measures and understanding the diverse needs of older adults across different geographical areas is imperative for ensuring equitable healthcare provision.

As policymakers navigate the evolving landscape of ageing demographics, a comprehensive approach considering both absolute numbers and health indicators is vital for effectively addressing the healthcare needs of older adults in England.

Study Reveals ZOE Personalised Diets Yield Health Improvements

Posted on 09/05/202409/05/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

9th May 2024 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

In a recent study published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine, researchers from ZOE, who are running the largest in-depth nutrition study in the world, examined the impact of personalised dietary advice versus general recommendations on cardiometabolic health. This study, involving 347 participants aged 41 to 70 years, sheds light on the effectiveness of tailored dietary programmes.

Participants were randomly assigned to either receive personalised dietary guidance by ZOE or standard care advice based on the US Department of Agriculture Guidelines for Americans. The personalised dietary programme utilised various factors including food characteristics, individual responses to food, microbiomes, and health history to create personalised food scores over an 18-week period.

Results showed a significant reduction in triglyceride levels, which are types of fat in the blood, among participants following the personalised dietary programme compared to those receiving standard advice. However, there were no significant changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, improvements were noted in other measures such as body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c levels (which is a measure of blood sugar over time), diet quality, and the variety of gut bacteria, particularly among participants who closely followed the personalised programme.

It is noteworthy that participants following the ZOE programme reported feeling better, with improvements in mood, reduced hunger, better sleep, and increased energy compared to the control group. Those who closely adhered to the ZOE advice also experienced greater improvements in weight and increases in diet quality, associated with lower risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Overall, the study shows the potential benefits of personalised dietary advice in improving cardiometabolic health outcomes, providing valuable insights for individuals seeking effective dietary interventions. TwinsUK members were instrumental in enabling ZOE to develop their personalised dietary programme through the original research study on personalised diets, PREDICT.

New Study Reveals Epigenetic Markers for Type 2 Diabetes Complications in Identical Twins

Posted on 23/04/202423/04/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

23rd April 2024 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

A recent collaborative effort among seven international twin cohorts, including TwinsUK, has yielded new epigenetic markers of type 2 diabetes and potentially its complications. The paper, published in eBiomedicine, sheds light on distinct blood markers in identical twins, where one twin was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes while the other remained unaffected.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Over time, this can lead to serious health complications like heart disease, kidney problems, and vision impairment. Identical twins, who share the same genetic blueprint, offer a unique opportunity to explore why one twin might develop diabetes and its complications, while the other remains healthy.

The study, led by a team of researchers at TwinsUK, delved into epigenetic markers—alterations to DNA that regulate gene activity and are influenced by genetic changes, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures. By examining identical twins discordant for type 2 diabetes across various cohorts, the researchers aimed to pinpoint novel epigenetic changes indicative of diabetes.

Among the notable findings were the identification of new blood epigenetic markers that distinguish twins with diabetes from their unaffected counterparts. Notably, these newly identified changes were found to be located within genes linked to complications of diabetes, like eye problems and high blood pressure. Additionally, the study also validated previously detected signals associated with diabetes.

In summary, leveraging the unique genetic makeup of identical twins allowed the research team to uncover promising epigenetic markers of type 2 diabetes, that are also potentially indicative of the development of diabetes complications. This collaborative effort shows the power of the twin study approach in unravelling complex disease mechanisms and offers valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

The detailed findings of the study can be accessed in eBiomedicine via the following link HERE.

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Stories from Twins and TwinsUK Staff

Posted on 25/03/202428/03/2024 by Aaruthy Suthahar

25th March 2024 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women globally. At TwinsUK, this year’s IWD was marked with heartfelt stories and reflections from both twins and staff members, showcasing the resilience, strength, and camaraderie that defines the twin community and the workplace culture at TwinsUK.

Twin Stories

Sue, reflected on her late twin sister Jill’s impactful work:

IWD meant nothing to me, but it did to my twin, best known as Jill Saward. Before her death in 2017, she worked tirelessly for women who’d been subjected to Rape or sexual abuse, and victims/survivors of domestic abuse. As identical twins it sometimes made life difficult. People felt through her work they knew me, but also total strangers would ask me how she was. Her impact really hit me after her death. Her friends and campaigners became my friends too – all women.

Francina and Vanessa, facing the daunting challenge of breast cancer, found strength in their twin connection.

We are facing one of our biggest challenges this international women’s day year as identical female twins with one of us being diagnosed with breast cancer. Having a mastectomy and facing chemotherapy all I could think about was how different I would look to my twin. We even joked about Vanessa wearing a head scarf when we go out as we love the “ are you twin” comments . We are both clinicians and Christian’s giving us resilience and the ability to face challenges head on. Vanessa has been a constant support and we are celebrating that the genetic test came back negative , reducing my twins risk of having breast cancer. I feel safe knowing my twin is there and am so grateful for my older sister as well. My prognosis is good so looking forward to beating my cancer and getting back to “double trouble“ outings with my twin.

Laura and Jill celebrated not only their twinship but also the joy of raising twin girls themselves:

In honour of International Women’s Day I’m celebrating my amazing identical twin sister Jill who herself has identical twin girls, Aurora ‘Rory’ and Clara – they recently turned 18 months old! They are the coolest and funniest girls on the planet and I watch them with absolute fascination. It is mine and my twin’s duty to set the best example to them of how lucky it is to be a twin and to celebrate it! In the photo, completely unplanned, we are all coordinating tops and bottoms (as are the front doors in the houses behind us).

Margaret and Barbara honored their mother’s legacy, recognising the sacrifices she made in raising them as twins.

I would like to celebrate mothers of twins! Our mother never grew tired of telling the story of how she had the surprise of her life when she was told there’s another baby after I was born. It can’t have been easy bringing up twins in the 1960’s and we only really appreciated this when my son and his fiance became the parents of twins in 2022! Watching them cope with tiny twins night and day has raised so many questions about our own early years. Sadly, we are not able to ask our mum about it as she passed in 2020. The photo attached was taken on her last Mother’s Day, during lockdown when we could not bear to leave her alone all day. Barbara and I will be forever grateful for everything she did for us.

Thoughts from TwinsUK staff

Aaruthy, Communications and Engagement Officer:

Working in the field of science research not only as a woman but also a woman of colour comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities due to lingering stereotypes and biases globally. Yet, at TwinsUK, as someone who is a woman of colour, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a workplace where diversity and inclusion is embraced. Most of the staff in our department are women from all different backgrounds and each with their own talents and perspectives. I am truly inspired by the women I work with as we collaborate, support each other, and celebrate each other’s successes. I remain hopeful for a future where every woman, regardless of background, can thrive and succeed in the scientific research community.

Bridget, Senior Research Nurse at TwinsUK:

I’ve dedicated the majority of my nursing career to the fields of hematology, oncology, and palliative care, where I’ve been surrounded by compassionate and incredible women. Nursing is undeniably women-centric. My journey led me to TwinsUK, where I gained a glimpse into the world of science, and I’ve cherished every minute of it. Being surrounded by so many intelligent and supportive women from diverse backgrounds has been truly inspiring. Our department is led by fantastic women who wear multiple hats – they’re researchers, clinicians, leaders, and mothers all rolled into one. While there’s still some lingering gender bias in the scientific realm, I remain optimistic that we are making strides in the right direction, one step at a time.

Ayrun, Clinical Operations Manager at TwinsUK:

After my studies, I went from a laboratory assistant to the role of clinical operations manager within my department. Along this journey, I also welcomed two babies, which naturally brought challenges of balancing work with raising young children. However, being part of an inclusive and supportive department where you are made to feel secure makes navigating these challenges easier. What does International Women’s Day mean to me? It means celebrating women’s achievements and contributions- you only need to look at the remarkable women within our department! Equally, it reminds us to recognise the ongoing challenges women still face globally. It is also a day to promote solidarity, to empower, inspire, and uplift women of future generations.

Gulsah, Resource Admin Manager at TwinsUK:

Through my studies of Social sciences from secondary to University years, I was always made hyper-aware of the gender gaps that were statistical facts within our society but admit I had internalised these on some level. As a young, second-generation immigrant female, I did not have the confidence to break these barriers – which was until I started working for the Department of Twin Research. Being surrounded by incredibly successful women from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life changed my perspective entirely which ignited a new level of ambition in me. As the new Resource Admin Manager, and also a recent first-time mother, I am inspired daily by my remarkable colleagues (both professionally and personally) and couldn’t be prouder to be a woman in science celebrating International Women’s Day here at TwinsUK.

As we reflect on the stories shared by twins and TwinsUK staff, one thing becomes clear: the essence of International Women’s Day extends beyond a single day of celebration. It’s about honouring the past, celebrating the present, and advocating for a future where every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive. Whether it’s through sisterhood, solidarity, or mentorship, the spirit of IWD lives on in the collective efforts of women everywhere. At TwinsUK, it’s a spirit that continues to inspire and empower each and every day.

Recent Blog Post

July, 2024