There isn't a single person who can be credited with "discovering" epigenetics. It's more accurate to say that epigenetics emerged as a field through the contributions of many scientists over time.

Here are some key figures and their contributions:

* Conrad Waddington (1930s-1950s): Coined the term "epigenetics" and proposed that genes are influenced by environmental factors.

* François Jacob and Jacques Monod (1960s): Made significant discoveries about the regulation of gene expression in bacteria, paving the way for understanding how environmental factors can influence gene function.

* Arthur Riggs (1970s): Demonstrated that DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mechanism, plays a role in gene regulation.

* Robin Holliday (1970s): Proposed the "epigenetic landscape" model, which visualizes the potential pathways of development based on epigenetic modifications.

* Michael Meaney and Moshe Szyf (1990s-present): Demonstrated the impact of early life experiences on epigenetic modifications in the brain, influencing behaviour and health.

The study of epigenetics continues to evolve, with ongoing research exploring the complex interplay between genes, environment, and development.