Researchers wishing to include twins and/or twin data in their research can apply to access existing de-identified data (HLQ data), contact twin pairs to collect new data or a combination of both.

The relationship with TRA and external research projects is intended to be a collaborative one. Research teams working with TRA have access to expertise in development of recruitment strategies, setting up the recruitment phase of a project, and roll-out and management of participant recruitment. In addition, advice or assistance with grant applications, ethics applications, data management, and analysis are available on request.

All aspects of the TRA/Researcher relationship are outlined in the Working with TRA Guidelines It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with this document prior to completing an application. 

Applying for Access

If you are interested in working with us the first step is to submit an Expression of Interest to the Research Coordinator and Liaison, Jessica Tyler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This step enables TRA to assess the suitability of the research proposal and check approved projects for duplication and overlap.

The second stage of the application is the submission of a Full Application for review. The purpose of the review is to ensure projects are a) of significant scientific merit; b) an appropriate use of a twin design; and c) described so that potential participants are able to provide informed consent.

A flowchart outlining an overview of the Application Process is available for download.

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Additional requirements

Before final approval is granted:

• Human Research Ethics Approval must be in place.
• A Services and Access Agreement needs to be signed and lodged with University of Melbourne for recruitment of twin participants.
• A De-Identified Data Transfer Agreement needs to be signed and lodged with the University of Melbourne for access to de-identified data (HLQ data).

 

Important note: all recruitment documentation, including the Participant Information Sheet and Participant Consent Form must be developed in conjunction with Research Coordinator and Liaison prior to submission for ethics approval. Please view example recruitment documentation here.

Costs are associated with TRA services, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a customised estimate.

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Ongoing requirements

All researchers collaborating with TRA have an ongoing responsibility to update the registry with changes to participant contact details and zygosity information.

In addition a clean copy of the dataset and any remaining biosamples must be lodged with TRA at the completion of the study or at a time negotiated between the two parties.
Use of TRA must be acknowledged in all publications and presentations. We request the following wording be used:

“This research was facilitated through access to Twins Research Australia, a national resource supported by a Centre of Research Excellence Grant (ID: 1079102), from the National Health and Medical Research Council.”

Please direct all queries and/or requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Phone and face-to-face meetings are also available if researchers wish to discuss their proposals.

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Working with TRA Documents:

• Working with TRA Guidelines
• Application Process Flowchart
• Expression of Interest
• Full Application
• Services and Access Agreement
• De-Identified Data Transfer Agreement
• Data Curation Policy
• Protocol Amendment Template

 

Other links

• Example approach documents 
• Acknowledgement blurb
• Accessing twin data - University of Melbourne Master of Public Health students