Epigenetics, Environment and Belonging

Research Focus

We explore the intersection of epigenetic science and Aboriginal relational knowledge, focusing on how environmental experiences influence human health across generations. We examine the concept of biological embedding, which suggests that social and ecological conditions can leave lasting molecular marks on our genetic expression. This scientific perspective is compared with Indigenous frameworks like Country and Tjukurrpa, which view wellbeing as a balance of relationships between people, ancestry, and the land. While the research acknowledges the distinct methods of Western medicine and Indigenous law, it advocates for an interdisciplinary dialogue to better understand intergenerational trauma and holistic health. We also suggests that health is not merely an individual trait but a reflection of the social and environmental systems in which a person is embedded.