Bernie Hughes currently Chairs UniSA Human Research Ethics Committee. Leadership roles within UniSA have included Dean Research for the Division of Health Sciences (2001-2007), Associate Head (Academic) of the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences (2008-2013) and Acting Head of School (August 2009-April 2010).

 Bernie's main teaching interests are in biochemistry, cell biology and research ethics.

His published research work has been largely in the area of cell signalling, in particular the role of calcium ions in the hormonal regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. He has also published on the role of the skeletal muscle chloride channel in myotonic muscle diseases and more recently on the regulation of indoleamine oxidase and research ethics. His published work has received about 1200 citations (average 27 citations/paper), with a career h Index of 21.