International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women in Science at TwinsUK 

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women around the world. At TwinsUK, we are proud to work in a community where women play a central role in advancing research, supporting one another, and shaping the future of science. 

This year, we asked colleagues and members of the TwinsUK cohort to share what International Women’s Day means to them. 

Women in science at TwinsUK 

Some members of the TwinsUK team reflected on the importance of representation, support, and community when building careers in science. 

Oromia shared: 

“I’m incredibly proud to be a woman in science and to begin my career at a company that genuinely values women in STEM and celebrates diversity. Although women have made profound contributions to science throughout history, many of us grew up without learning about these remarkable figures or seeing enough representation and role models in the field. 

When you think about it, women and science have always belonged together. That’s why it means so much to have a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating this connection on an international stage. There are countless brilliant, pioneering women whose curiosity, resilience, and innovation have shaped the scientific world, and who continue to inspire the next generation of scientists.” 

Molly reflected on the importance of having role models and supportive colleagues: 

“Working within TwinsUK has surrounded me with so many amazing role models for women in science. A career in science is often portrayed as a very limited one-size-fits all model that you need to fit your life and career into, especially as a woman. As a part of TwinsUK I work beside women with a diversity of backgrounds who combine many roles (mother, mentor, advocate) with their career in science. My colleagues have provided invaluable insight about their careers and roles, openly sharing the challenges and the opportunities. With their support, I’m pursuing far more life and career opportunities than I thought possible just a few years ago.” 

Sylvia shared how personal experiences have shaped her perspective on the importance of this day: 

“On International Women’s Day, I’m reminded how meaningful this day is to me personally. Having been raised in a country where women had very few rights, I’m especially aware of how powerful it is to have Women’s voices heard, to see Women pioneer professionally, and to be given leadership opportunities. At TwinsUK, I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside inspiring Women, who, beyond being incredible scientists, are leaders, colleagues, mothers, and friends, who support one another and contribute daily to advancing science. Today, we celebrate Women everywhere, how we’ve come, and the Women shaping the future of research.” 

Grace highlighted the value of working in a department where women are supported and encouraged: 

“International Women’s Day is a special moment to reflect on how fortunate I feel to work at TwinsUK. I truly value being part of a department where women are encouraged to take up space, where their voices are heard, and where a wide range of cultural backgrounds bring unique and insightful perspectives to our work. 

As a woman who grew up in a male-dominated household, it feels especially empowering to look up to our female-led senior team. They are inspiring examples of women in STEM who not only lead important research but do so with a genuine spirit of collaboration, kinship, and kindness. 

Today is a reminder to celebrate the achievements of women around us and to continue supporting, uplifting, and making space for future generations of women in science.” 

Yas reflected on her journey in academia and the supportive environment at TwinsUK: 

“I began my journey in the department as a PhD student and now work as a postdoctoral researcher studying ageing. Navigating academia can be challenging at times, but I’ve been fortunate to work alongside supportive and generous colleagues at TwinsUK who have made my time here both rewarding and enjoyable. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise not only the progress women in science have made, but the importance of continuing to build an inclusive and encouraging environment. I’m grateful to be part of a department led by inspiring women who balance research, leadership, mentorship, and life beyond academia. It has shown me what is possible, and I hope to pass that encouragement on to others beginning their own journeys in science.” 

Celebrating our twins 

International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to recognise the women who participate in TwinsUK research and make this work possible. 

One pair of twins shared: 

“We have loved being a part of the Twin Research for many years and hope to carry on for as long as possible. We feel it is such an important part of Research and the visits are both enjoyable and informative. It also feels good to be able to maybe help someone else somewhere. We get the opportunity to spend a whole day (sometimes two) together which is one of the best parts. Keep up the good work! ” 

Another pair spoke about how taking part in research connects with their commitment to staying active and healthy together: 

“When we can, my sister Mandy and I love to take part in the health studies and being part of the important research that is done into discovering what we can all do to stay healthy as we age. This picture was taken on our 40th birthday when we ran the Ashby 20 to celebrate. Later this month we turn 50 and although we won’t be running 20 miles to celebrate another milestone birthday, we will be having a party and embracing something from our childhood memories. 

We will continue to try to stay active, so we can continue to run together for many years to come. Not only helping our physical health but our mental health and wellbeing too.” 

For one participant, joining the TwinsUK register led to a surprising discovery: 

“One of my colleagues at my last job at a Patent Attorney firm is a twin and she told me about the TwinsUK Register many years ago. Since I was a paralegal working in the Biotech Department I knew how important research is. I persuaded my sister that we should join the Register as it would also provide us with a health ‘MOT’ every few years. We filled in the initial health questionnaire and sent off our blood samples. 

Some time later, I received a phone call from TwinsUK informing me that they had tested our blood samples and that our DNA showed that we were actually identical twins. This came as a huge surprise because our Mum had always told us we weren’t identical. If we hadn’t joined the Register we would be none the wiser. We love being part of something that is so important.” 

Another long-term pair of participants reflected on their decades of involvement: 

“This is me, Barbara Pilgrim and my twin Margaret Turton at our last visit to the Twin Research Unit in July 2025, then aged 66. 

We both like the same healthy foods and enjoy regular exercise. We have been taking part for over 25 years and we hope we are providing lots of positive data for the amazing research done at the Department of Twin Research UK! 

We both no longer work and so have started volunteering. The photo is of us at the recently held European Figure Skating Championships held in Sheffield in January which was our first volunteering role. 

We look forward to being able to continue to participate in Twin research.” 

Looking ahead 

International Women’s Day reminds us not only to celebrate achievements, but also to continue building inclusive and supportive environments where women can thrive in science. 

At TwinsUK, we are proud to be part of a community of researchers, staff, and participants who support one another and contribute to advancing health research for future generations.