The Smith Group is investigating the aetiology of oral and gastrointestinal disease with a focus on innate immunity. Current research aims to understand molecular pathways in disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease and oral lichen planus. The group has extensive experience of using a broad array of molecular biology techniques that includes genetics, microbiome, microscopy, with in vitro and in vivo experimentation. There is strong collaboration with gastroenterology and oral medicine specialities with a focus on translational benefit and mechanistic understanding.