“We are the only known species that understands species go extinct... So it is extremely important we do whatever we can to avoid extinction. We have a moral obligation to prevent extinction, and we have a responsibility to act as life-form shepherds—not just for our species, but for all species on which we rely, as well as those yet to come.”
~ Dr. Christopher E. Mason
Genome BC was proud to present the Annual Don Rix Distinguished Keynote Address on October 6, 2025, featuring Dr. Chris Mason. His keynote explored how genomics and biotechnology are reshaping our understanding of human biology in extreme environments, including space.
Drawing on research from NASA and international space missions, Dr. Mason discussed how the human body adapts to microgravity, radiation and isolation, and what these insights can teach us about health here on Earth. He also highlighted emerging advances in synthetic biology and considered how these technologies may support future long-duration space travel.
The talk invited us to consider how discoveries at the frontiers of genomics can translate into new approaches to medicine, resilience and human exploration.
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.
