His clinical interests include the genetics of diabetic nephropathy, new therapies for diabetes and the provision of diabetes services within the community.

As a result of his genetics background, Professor Bain became a member of the inaugural West Midlands Multicentre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) and joined the UK Human Genetics Commission. From 2003-2008 he was HGC’s nomination on the National DNA Database Strategy Board and led the HGC report on DNA testing in 2009. In 2007 he was invited to sit on the newly formed National DNA Database Ethics Group, established by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Professor Bain is Diabetes Lead Clinician for Swansea Bay University Health Board, a member of the Wales Diabetes & Endocrine Society (WEDS) executive committee and chaired the Specialist Training Committee for Diabetes & Endocrinology for Wales until 2016. He also chairs the Board which oversees the ILS Joint Clinical Research Facility, the premier clinical research institute in Wales.