The United Kingdom (UK) has made an unprecedented investment in genomics and worked hard to embed this transformative technology into its healthcare infrastructure. How has this helped the UK improve health care delivery? How did genomics help the UK prepare for and work through the challenges of the pandemic? And what can Canada learn from this experience?

On Nov. 18, 2021, Genome BC was proud to present Professor Dame Sue Hill as the speaker for the 12th Annual Don Rix Distinguished Keynote Address to answer some of these questions. As the Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in NHS England and NHS Improvement, Sue established the NHS Genomic Medicine Centres and led the NHS contribution to the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Dr. Donald B. Rix, the innovator and a philanthropist for whom this event is named after had a broad palette of interests: medicine and science, education, and the arts. He was a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Order of BC, one of the co-founders of Genome BC.

Don believed that technology and innovation were the fundamentals upon which to build the future of British Columbia. In a speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade, he explained that technological innovation transcends all boundaries.  He said:

"Not only does it create new industry sectors and new jobs, which in turn, boost economic output, it also provides traditional industries with advances that allow them to be more productive and competitive. Most importantly, technology improves every aspect of life by coming up with new ways to address important social issues."

Don was a visionary and a pioneer. Throughout his life he looked for gaps and created opportunities to fill them. As a physician Don saw the need for better diagnostics and helped to co-found a system of clinical labs across Canada —better known today as LifeLabs. 

Don had a keen interest in biotechnology and as the Chair of our Board through our formative years. his influence on the development of Genome BC is still felt today. We should never lose sight of his vision or his spirit of collaboration — this has guided  trajectory over the last 20 years.

When we lost Don in 2009, we decided to recognize his legacy by establishing this Annual Keynote Address — to continue to inspire our community. I believe that Don would approve of the keynote speakers we have invited over the years, and the speakers at this year’s event are no exception.

Click the images below to learn more about previous Don Rix Distinguished Keynote speakers and their increcible contributions to science.