Hugh Desmond is a postdoctoral researcher in the philosophy and ethics of science at the KU Leuven, and a professional violinist. He studied at the conservatories of Brussels and Paris (CNSM), and simultaneously did degrees in physics and mathematics, and then in philosophy of science (Ph.D. in 2016).

As a violinist he has been awarded prizes at international competitions (Padova 2014, 2nd prize), and he has significant orchestral experience (mainly through Lucerne Festival Academy Orchestra, and the Brussels Philharmonic).

In 2017 he founded the non-profit Doppio Stile vzw, and designs music productions that draw on other disciplines such as science and philosophy. He has done this with piano (Waldo Geuns in Duo Doppio Stile), and in the future will do a solo violin production, and one with orchestra (Wim Spaepen & the Ataneres Ensemble).

Further, he is active as the leader of the second violins (Ataneres Ensemble), as chamber musician (Duo Doppio Stile, Two Sticks), and has ongoing engagements as soloist (Stretto Chamber Orchestra, Ochestra di Padova e del Veneto, PianoFest).