Minister of Health announces Dr. Michael J. Strong as new President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

June 20, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced that Dr. Michael J. Strong has been appointed the new President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. Strong is an internationally recognized researcher specializing in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He will take up his position on October 1.

Dr. Strong’s research focuses on understanding the cellular biology of ALS. His work has helped shed new light on a process by which an abnormal form of some proteins may accumulate in nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, destroying the cells, and leading to the symptoms of the disease.

Dr. Strong will bring extensive leadership experience to CIHR, having served since 2010 as the Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Distinguished University Professor at Western University, where he holds the Arthur J. Hudson Chair in ALS Research. From 2000 to 2010, he served as the Chief of Neurology and Co-Chair of the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at the London Health Sciences Centre and Western University.

Dr. Strong will replace Dr. Roderick McInnes, whose last day as Acting President of CIHR is June 30. Michel Perron, Executive Vice-President of CIHR, will lead the transition process until Dr. Strong’s arrival.

Dr. Strong will arrive at an exciting time for CIHR. Budget 2018 proposed the largest increase in new funding for fundamental research through the granting councils in Canada’s history. In addition, the Budget set aside dedicated funding to support researchers working across disciplines and with international collaborators to move fast and take calculated risks to achieve results for Canadians.