
Age: 38
Occupation: Assistant professor, department of biochemistry and molecular biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
When you ask Pierre Billon about his trailblazing work in the field of genomic science, you’ll hear the word “we” a lot. “Nothing would have been doable without my team,” says Billon, a native of Toulouse, France. “I’m like a captain, and they are the players on the field.”
What Billon and his fellow scientists have been able to accomplish in a few years — using genome editing technologies, which decode the human genome’s functions — is nothing short of groundbreaking. Two of his innovations, iSTOP and One-pot DTECT, have established pioneering diagnostic and treatment approaches: iSTOP has achieved remission in patients with previously incurable cancers, while One-pot DTECT has drastically cut diagnostic times from weeks to hours, at a fraction of previous costs. Billon and his colleagues are also playing a pivotal role in one of the country’s first clinical trials in genome editing for blood disorders, which puts Canada at the forefront of the genome editing revolution.
While Billon, who was raised by his single mom, is now pursuing his dream career, it wasn’t always his goal. “I wanted to be a soccer star,” he says. “Then, when I was 13, I injured my knee.” A high school biology teacher sparked an interest with a class on antibodies, which spurred Billon to study cellular and molecular biology.
Along with his pioneering research, Billon serves on advisory thesis committees and as a mentor to a diverse group of students and researchers. When he’s not busy also doing presentations and interviews to better educate the public about genome editing, the award-winning scientist can be spotted cycling the 250-km return trip from Calgary to Canmore. “I usually work weekends but I take a day off to ride,” he says, adding, with a laugh, “yes, some people call me intense.”
Thank yous
“My mentors, colleagues and family for their support and guidance throughout my scientific journey.”
Top 40 Under 40 2024
Eluvier Acosta & Juan Castillo