Our research group investigates how epigenetic processes are involved in regulating stem cells and the early stages of mammalian development. Specifically, we study interactions between epigenetic processes and other key molecular components, such as signalling pathways and transcription factors, in order to understand how these multiple events are coordinated. This research will provide crucial insight into how distinct cell types are formed in the embryo and will uncover new and safer ways to use stem cells for regenerative medicine and other biomedical applications. Our findings may also have broad impact on understanding environmental influences on the epigenome, which has major implications for diet and other external factors during pregnancy.