Dr Youngson has researched epigenetics for 22 years, publishing over 60 papers on epigenetics in development, evolution and disease. His PhD at Cambridge University studied the role of gamete-borne DNA methylation in regulation of offspring development. The transgenerational theme continued as a post-doc at QIMR in Brisbane, where he investigated whether abnormal epigenetic state in gametes could cause developmental disorders in offspring. His second post-doctoral position at UNSW, Sydney progressed to exploring how metabolic dysfunction in obesity can influence diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. He continued this work with a focus in liver disease in 2019 when he established his own group at the Institute of Hepatology, London. On returning to Australia he is a Research Associate at the University of Melbourne in Prof. Andrew Pask's group using multi-omics approaches to investigate species-specific differences and similarities in gestation.