His PhD research investigated the social worlds of renewable energy projects in Pacific Island countries, with a view to supporting more inclusive and equitable approaches to project design and delivery. Other research projects have centred the experiences of Australian householders with new energy technologies, and explored the cultural aspects of electric vehicle adoption. 

Before joining the Australian National University (ANU), Hugo held leadership positions with ACT’s City and Environment Directorate and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He has also lived and worked for more than a decade in the Blue Pacific, in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.

Hugo holds a Masters in Applied Anthropology from ANU, a Bachelors of Music (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, and is a member of the Australasian Science and Technology Studies Network, the Australian Anthropological Society, and the Australian Association for Pacific Studies.