Tim Spector

Tim Spector is a prominent British epidemiologist and medical doctor, currently serving as a Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, where he also heads the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology. He is an Honorary Consultant Physician at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Spector is best known for founding the TwinsUK registry in 1992, which is one of the most extensive collections of clinical data on twins globally, encompassing over 15,000 sets of twins. His research primarily focuses on the interplay between genetics, nutrition, and the gut microbiome.124

Spector has made significant contributions to the field of genetic epidemiology, particularly through his work on twin studies that explore the heritability of various diseases. He has published over 900 scientific papers and is recognized as one of the most cited scientists worldwide. His research has led to the discovery of numerous genetic loci associated with various health conditions.234

In addition to his academic work, Spector is a prolific author of popular science books, including The Diet Myth and Spoon-Fed, which discuss nutrition and health from a scientific perspective. He has also been involved in public health initiatives, notably leading the COVID Symptom Study app, which became a vital tool for tracking COVID-19 symptoms during the pandemic. For his contributions to public health during this time, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2020.245

Spector's advocacy for a plant-based Mediterranean diet emphasizes high fiber intake and diversity in food choices while cautioning against ultra-processed foods. His insights into diet and microbiome interactions have garnered significant media attention, making him a sought-after speaker and commentator on health-related topics.146