Twins and Other Extraordinary Kinships: The Science and the Fascination

Twins have a universal fascination for both scientific professionals and members of the general public. Why this is the case has been a matter of some debate, but several explanations will be suggested. Next, an overview of twin types (identical and fraternal) and the fascinating variations displayed by each type are described and illustrated (e.g., twins reared apart, biracial twins, twins with different fathers) with compelling data and case studies.

Some curious, twin-like twosomes are also included, given that they are scientifically informative, as well as fascinating (virtual twins, unrelated look-alikes, switched at birth pairs). Twin research continues to grow and to flourish as more twins are being born and researchers representing diverse disciplines, such as politics, religious studies, and economics, are embracing a twin-based approach to better understand their observations.

Dr. Nancy L. Segal is a Psychology Professor and Director of the Twin Studies Center, at California State University, Fullerton. She specializes in twin research and teaches courses in developmental psychology. She had authored nine books on twins, most recently Deliberately Divided: Inside the Controversial Study of Twins and Triplets Adopted Apart (Segal, 2021); and Gay Fathers, Twin Sons: The Citizenship Case That Captured the World (Segal, 2023).

Time and place

22nd May from 11.15-12.15, in the DIAS Seminar room, Fioniavej 34.

The lecture is open to all and no registration is needed. Feel free to forward this invitation to relevant people.

Invitation to DIAS lecture by Kaare Christensen, DIAS, Chair of Health Science, Head of Research at the unit for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography (EBB).