This Research Front presents reviews that investigate model systems for the study of embryo–maternal cross-talk and the processes that are known to be important in the period between fertilisation and implantation. The Research Front is one of the outcomes of a European Union-funded COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action on ‘Maternal Interaction with Gametes and Embryos’ (FA0702; http://www.cost-gemini.eu, accessed 20 September 2011), which aims to promote understanding of this topic by bringing together researchers to share data from different species.