Epigenetic science and Indigenous health: key issues and considerations for future research

Abstract

Environmental epigenetics is a fast-growing field of scientific research attracting interest from key stakeholders in Indigenous health internationally, including researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocacy organisations. It is the study of how various external factors, including food, stress, and toxins, alter genetic expression, and could be biologically passed down to children (and potentially grandchildren). This article explores the growing interest in epigenetics in Indigenous health and social policy fields in Australia and identifies the key implications and challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The authors advocate for the urgent development of epigenetic research guidelines in Australia and beyond that centre Indigenous sovereignty.