Developing the periodontal research group and trials team in Birmingham, which translates basic discovery science into patient benefits, that in partnership with industry, develop products that impact upon millions of people. An example of this would be unravelling the main trigger for release of neutrophil (white blood cells) extracellular traps. We were able to take neutrophils from patients with a genetic defect that prevented the formation of these neutrophil extracellular “traps” called “NETs”, and which makes these patients very susceptible to life threatening infections, and by exposing the cells to the trigger chemical the cells were able to produce NETs. One day this research may lead to new therapies to correct the genetic deficiency in these patients. A second example would be the development of novel natural micronutrients to control inflammation and their incorporation into toothpastes used to combat gum inflammation.