Iain has published over 240 research papers in the peer reviewed scientific literature, and written and edited 10 textbooks and authored 23 book chapters in the field of Periodontology, Periodontal Medicine and Surgery, Nutrition and Molecular Methods. Iain has received major grants from the Medical Research Council, European Union, Charities and Industry.

Iain is a committed an enthusiastic teacher of undergraduate and postgraduate students within Birmingham, nationally and internationally on various graduate programs across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific rim.

Iain is former Scientific Editor of the British Dental Journal, former Associate Editor of Journal of Periodontal Research and the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, and current Associate Editor of Periodontology 2000.

Iain was awarded the Charles Tomes medal of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2012; the Distinguished Scientist Award of the International Association for Dental Research (Periodontal Research) in 2018; the Special Citation Award of the American Academy of Periodontology in 2018; and the Eminence Award of the European Federation of Periodontology in 2022.

Iain was President of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Periodontal Research Group (PRG-2006-7), Treasurer (2007-2013) and Secretary General (2016-2019) of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and is currently Treasurer of the UK Oral and Dental Research Trust. He co-chairs the annual EFP workshops (research and education).