Hugh Montgomery obtained a first class degree in cardiorespiratory physiology and neuropharmacology, before graduating from the Middlesex Hospital Medical School in 1987. He has since accredited in general medicine, cardiology and intensive care medicine, and is UCL professor of Intensive Care.

He directs the UCL Institute for Human Health and Performance, and was science lead for Caudwell Xtreme Everest in 2007. He has published over 180 scientific articles, and has a specific interest in hypoxiac adaptation.