Co-Founder of Real Zero, Director of UCL Institute Centre for Human Health and Performance, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine & Winner of The Award for Excellence in Clinical Investigation 

Dr Hugh Montgomery OBE is an intensive care clinician, groundbreaking researcher, and globally recognised voice in medicine and climate change. A Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London and Co-Founder of Real Zero, a non-profit driving urgent climate action, he is best known for discovering the first gene linked to human fitness, a landmark finding that transformed our understanding of genetics and performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hugh became one of the most trusted commentators, sharing frontline insights. With over 800 publications, he bridges medicine, innovation, and sustainability as a sought-after international speaker.

Hugh began his medical career in 1987 and went on to specialise in intensive care medicine. Early in his research journey, he was recognised with the Award for Excellence in Clinical Investigation, followed by the Draeger Prize for the best critical care paper of the year. Alongside his clinical work, he built a strong academic presence at University College London, where he directs the Centre for Human Health and Performance. In this role, he has driven pioneering research into human performance, wellbeing, and disease, influencing both medicine and wider society.

His expertise has extended beyond academia into technology and innovation. Hugh has served as a consultant for leading medtech and pharmaceutical organisations, including Google Health/DeepMind and vaccine developers, advising on the integration of AI and emerging health solutions. He later chaired the ed-tech company Obrizum and currently sits on the board of Silver Creek Ltd. Committed to public good, he also serves on the boards of five charities.

For more than two decades, Hugh has been a leader in health and climate change policy. As co-chair of the 47-country Lancet Countdown, he has shaped global dialogue on the intersection of climate, health, and sustainability.

Hugh has authored more than 800 scientific papers, including eight in Nature, as well as acclaimed books spanning fiction and children’s literature. His thriller ‘Control’ and children’s titles highlight his creative range alongside medical expertise. A frequent contributor to television and radio, he has appeared on BBC News, Channel 4, Sky News, and ITV, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also fronted six television series and delivered the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.

Why Hire Dr Hugh Montgomery?

A compelling speaker who blends cutting-edge science with frontline medical insight and a passion for global sustainability, Hugh’s expertise spans health crises, technological innovation, and climate change, making him uniquely suited to address the challenges shaping business, healthcare, and society. Having given over 600 talks worldwide, including high-profile keynotes such as the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures and his TEDx talk How Climate Change Kills at TEDxLondon in 2018, Hugh’s ability to translate complex science into engaging narratives is unparalleled.

Audiences value his combination of authority and relatability, whether he is sharing stories from intensive care during the Covid-19 pandemic or highlighting how businesses can adapt to health and environmental threats. With proven impact across medicine, technology, and climate policy, Hugh equips audiences with both insight and inspiration. Booking him means securing a world-leading thinker who delivers not only knowledge, but also motivation to act on the issues that matter most.

To book Hugh to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry