Twin Research for a healthy future

Join one of the most clinically detailed longitudinal twin studies in the world.

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 research reveals how genes shape responses to...

12th March 2026 – By King’s College London Researchers at King’s College London have used a study of identical twins to uncover how genetic differences...

12/03/2026

International Women’s Day: 34 Years of Science, Sisterhood...

By Deborah Hart, Executive Director, TwinsUK When I set up TwinsUK in 1992 with Tim Spector, I could not have imagined the journey ahead. What...

10/03/2026

People’s gut bacteria worse in areas with higher...

25th February 2026 – by King’s College London Living in a poorer neighbourhood in the UK could impact the make-up of your gut microbiome, potentially...

25/02/2026

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! 👩‍❤️‍👩 ”