My PhD thesis defined the role of the Streptococcus pneumoniae capsule on pneumococcal interactions with complement factors and phagocytes. This demonstrated that resistance to complement mediated immunity is associated with capsular serotype, showing relatively invasive strains of pneumococcus are more resistant to complement-mediated immunity. 

I undertake research examining trends in adult pneumonia, and am the Principal Investigator for The Avon CAP study. This study seeks to determine the burden of adult acute respiratory disease and assess how the emergence of COVID-19 may lead to changes in adult respiratory disease. I am particularly interested in how S. pneumoniae disease may be changing in response to COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccination, as well as determining the consequences of acute viral and bacterial infection for patients and improving outcomes for these patients.