A doctor from Delta has been recognized for his major contributions to organ transplant research and clinical trials. Dr. Paul Keown received the 2025 Clinical Trials BC Leadership and Advocacy Award for his decades of work in immunology, precision medicine, and organ transplant science.
This award, presented by Clinical Trials BC, part of Health Research BC, goes to individuals who show strong leadership and support for clinical trials at different levels. It highlights experts who guide others, promote education, and drive forward new methods that benefit British Columbia’s medical research community.
Dr. Keown has spent over 40 years advancing transplant medicine and mentoring future scientists and doctors. His work focuses on improving how donated organs are matched with patients. By using data about a person’s genes, lifestyle, and environment, Keown aims to find the most suitable treatments and improve long-term outcomes.
In response to the award, Keown expressed his joy and gratitude. He said being honored by long-time colleagues and friends made the award even more meaningful.
Known as a visionary leader, Keown has helped shape a culture of innovation in clinical trials. He has led the development of new trial designs and trained many young doctors, biostatisticians, and researchers. He also serves on several global advisory boards, where he continues to share his knowledge and support for research excellence.
After studying medicine and immunology in the United Kingdom, France, and Ontario, Keown moved to Vancouver. There, he helped build B.C.’s first multi-organ transplant networks. He held important positions such as executive director of BC Transplant and president of the Canadian Society of Transplantation. These roles allowed him to launch key medical programs that have improved patient outcomes across Canada.
One of his early achievements includes leading a major trial in Victoria’s proteomics unit. This unit studies proteins in donor organs to help predict whether a patient’s immune system will reject the organ. It was the first lab in the province to be certified under all three key practices: Good Clinical, Good Laboratory, and Good Manufacturing. These certifications are vital for ensuring patient safety and the reliability of trial results.
To bring research and industry closer together, Keown founded Syreon Corporation in 1995. Based in Vancouver, the company began within the Discovery Parks Program at the University of British Columbia. Syreon supports B.C.’s research landscape by working closely with universities, hiring local experts, and helping the regional economy.
This year, Keown is launching the world’s first clinical trial using a process called “epitope matching.” This technique identifies small protein markers on donated organs and finds recipients whose immune systems will recognize these organs as their own. The goal is to eliminate the need for lifelong use of immune-suppressing drugs. The study includes several sites across Canada and is backed by Genome BC, Genome Canada, Michael Smith Health Research BC, and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.
Keown believes this approach could change transplant medicine forever. He said the most exciting outcome would be if patients could receive a kidney transplant and never need immune-suppressing medication again. “I think that is now within our grasp,” he added.
When Keown began his career, successful kidney transplants were rare. He recalls that around 80 percent of new kidneys were rejected, and many patients died within months. Today, rejection rates are far lower, thanks in part to his work in clinical trials that tested new treatments and improved organ matching techniques.
For Keown, the progress has been deeply rewarding. “It’s science at the highest level,” he said. “And it’s about working with good people to help patients. I would do it all again, even without pay.”
