David Hamilton gained a first class honours degree in chemistry, with a specialisation in biological and medicinal chemistry, and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry before going on to be a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry in 1995.
After four years he left and has since worked as a motivational speaker, co-founded an international relief charity, co-organised a 9-day, 24-event festival of peace called Spirit Aid, and worked as a college lecturer in both chemistry and ecology.