This research has involved the development of systems biology approaches to investigate chronic human disease. In particular the development of novel methodologies for the culture on polymicrobial biofilms and the determination the molecular interactions that underpin the symbiotic relationships of oral pathobionts. Stuart has applied microbiomic approaches to determine predictive biomarkers of disease in children. The long-term aim of all of these studies is to develop novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. He is an author on over 100 research publications and a named inventor on eight patents. His research is funded by the NHMRC and he has received NIH (USA) research grants in addition to the International Association for Dental Research (IADR)-GSK Innovation in Oral Care Award. Stuart is an Associate Editor of Molecular Oral Microbiology and on the on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Oral Microbiology and the Journal of Oral Biosciences. He is a recipient of The Alan Docking IADR Science Award for outstanding scientific achievement in the field of dental research. He was a Project Leader in the Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre (2003-2018) where he was involved in the translation of basic research into commercial products. He has supervised 17 PhD, 6 Doctor of Clinical Dentistry and 18 BSc(Hons) students to completion. He has had a role in curriculum development and teaching in the Melbourne Dental School for over 25 years.