"The study of genomics in individual cells is becoming a new frontier... In cancer, this is quintessentially important. The biological paradigm is that cancer is not a static disease.”
~ Dr. Sam Aparicio
In his talk, "Decoding Cancer," Dr. Aparicio discussed how breakthroughs in genome sequencing from 2006 to 2012 revolutionized the understanding of cancer, driving advancements in drug development and diagnostics. He highlighted British Columbia’s unique contributions to these scientific achievements and addressed current challenges and frontiers in cancer research.
Who was Don Rix?
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 and 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. Don would approve of the keynote speakers we have invited over the years and the speaker at this year’s event is no exception.
Click the images below to learn more about previous Don Rix Distinguished Keynote speakers and their increcible contributions to science.
