After receiving a PhD in Biology/Biochemistry from Georgetown University, he spent 10 years in academic research in the Boston Area, progressing from post doctoral fellow to the equivalent of assistant professor. He then became staff scientist at Boston Biotechnology Company before becoming President of a scientific business incubator. Dr Hughes remains active on the scientific boards of several graduates of the business incubator including companies involved in instrumentation, clinical diagnostics and drug development. In 1995 Dr Hughes became acting President of Seatech Bioproducts while it was an incubator project. Seatech is involved in the identification and development of ingredients (Seatech) and nutritional therapeutics (Maralth Labs) from the world’s marine environment. Seatech is involved in harvest operations or mariculture projects in 12 countries.