Welcome to the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research!

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to identify genetic and environmental influences on the development of substance abuse and related psychological disorders.

The MCTFR houses several ongoing, large-scale research studies. The Minnesota Twin Family Study (MTFS) and the Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study (SIBS) are the oldest. Both projects are longitudinal research studies including twins, siblings, and parents. More than 10,000 individuals have contributed to these exciting projects! These studies have also produced an ongoing collaboration with scientists at the University of Colorado, which allows us to assess timely issues such as effects of the legalization of marijuana on mental health, among many other factors that are important for people to thrive.

More recently, the MCTFR has become home to two large, national studies: the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study (ABCD) and the Healthy Baby and Child Development study (HBCD). Both projects are very large, national studies conducted by a team of researchers at several dozen different universities and institutions. These two studies will provide researchers and policy makers with a rich characterization of child and adolescent development, including social-emotional, cognitive (intellectual) and brain development.

Our Location: Elliott Hall

Location