My research programme covers serious bacterial infections (including sepsis), biomarker-guided antimicrobial stewardship, and early warning scores for early recognition of deterioration. I have over 25 years’ experience of clinical research in hospitalised children with infections, both in the UK and in Malawi. My research spans the full translational spectrum from -omics to implementation yet is patient-centred and fully embedded in daily NHS practice. I have been a member of national and international committees developing guidelines and definitions for paediatric sepsis. I have both led and been a co-investigator on randomised controlled trials of biomarkers to guide antimicrobial decisions in adults and children. I promote clinical excellence through research, evidence-based practice, teaching, audit and quality improvement, and seek to model diversity, inclusivity and equity in clinical academia.