Biosciences twins graduate together
15 July 2025
Twins who both studied Biological and Biomedical Sciences are set to graduate from Cardiff University this week.
Anneira and Carys Moore graduate together after studying BSc Hons in Biological Sciences and BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences respectively.
Originally from Swansea, Anneira and Carys attended Cardiff University to study different degrees within the School of Biosciences.
One of the reasons I chose to go to Cardiff was because it was the perfect distance from home. I wanted to stay in Wales and experience the Welsh culture in university - which Cardiff University is well known for.
“We were in Welsh-medium education from 2-18 years old. I chose Cardiff as I knew I wanted to stay in Wales to allow me to continue to speak Welsh during my studies,” added Carys.
Both Anneira and Carys studied at Cardiff University for four years, each taking a Professional Training Year (PTY) to apply their studies to experimental work in the laboratory.
Anneira completed her professional training year with Professor Brad Spiller, Head of Medical Microbiology in the Division of Infection and Immunity in the School of Medicine.
“Doing my PTY made me realise how much I enjoyed being in the lab and actively researching, as well as getting a chance to go to scientific conferences and present my own research. It has also made me realise that in the future I would like to pursue research as a career and deepened my interest in all aspects of microbiology,” said Anneira.
Carys said: “My favourite part of my degree was the Professional Training year. This year allowed me to go beyond the School of Biosciences and find what my true passion was. I worked in the School of Medicine in the Division of Infection and Immunity, doing a lab-based project on Human Cytomegalovirus. This placement also allowed me to get a GW4 PhD straight out of my undergraduate studies - looking at enhancing the immunological control of SARS-CoV-2.”
Both were heavily involved in Welsh-language activities whilst at University - they were able to make friends, interact with Welsh staff members and engage in extra-curricular activities in the Welsh language.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to go to Cardiff in the first place was the large range of Welsh activities that it offers. I was a part of the Welsh choir Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal and the Welsh society, which was a great chance to meet other students from all over Wales whilst communicating only in Welsh. I also had a Welsh-language personal tutor and tutor group, which I was so grateful for during my time in University, it felt much more personal,” said Anneira.
Carys added: “I loved my time in the choir and have had some amazing times including competing in the Urdd Eisteddfod. We also got to sing in the Senedd for Mark Drakeford’s leaving ceremony as well as sing for the current first minister.”
Anneira and Carys will graduate with their Bachelor of Science degrees at their ceremony on Tuesday 15 July.
Carys said: “We like to say that we’re studying the same but different. I studied Biomedical Sciences – whereas Anneira studied Biological Sciences. Two of our modules were the same, but one module was different - which allowed us to specialise in what we enjoyed.
Peer review is a big part of our course – and who better to do it than your own twin sister who understands you and your work.
“This year we both ended up in the same lab group doing our final year project, despite having different supervisors – to say that this confused the lab would be an understatement,” Carys said.
Anneira added: “We have done almost everything together – despite always making the decisions independently. It has been nice to always know that I have someone going through the same thing as me for the whole journey, through the tears and the celebrations."
It is a really nice full circle moment knowing that I will be graduating with Carys and I honestly couldn’t imagine graduating without her there by my side. She has been my biggest support throughout university and I’m so glad now that we did this all together.
