Dr. Michael J. Strong moving on to new role as president of CIHR

Today, the Honorable Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced that Dr. Michael J. Strong, current Dean of Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, has been appointed as the President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for a five year term effective October 1, 2018.

As the President, Dr. Strong will oversee the direction and management of the property, business and affairs of CIHR.

In doing so, he will step down from his role as Dean effective September 30, 2018. Dr. Strong will remain a Western University Distinguished University Professor and continue his work as a scientist researching Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at Robarts Research Institute.

Dr. Strong began as Dean, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry on July 1, 2010. In his role, he has worked closely with the School’s Senior Leadership Council, Executive Committee of the Schulich Council, and student leaders to move the School through nearly a decade of massive growth and change.

During his time as Dean, Dr. Strong oversaw the implementation of the hugely successful Master of Public Health Program; the establishment of the SouthWestern Academic Health Network; new innovative internal research funding opportunities, the recruitment of more than 50 basic science and clinical researchers;  the establishment of the nationally recognized See the Line initiative in support of concussion research; the renewal of Schulich Dentistry;  a new model of distributed medical education; the continued success of the Schulich Medicine – Windsor Campus, the establishment of a new alumni awards program; a robust and integrated communications strategy; and a new diversity working group.

“While I am leaving my role as Dean sooner than I expected, I am doing so knowing that this has been one of the most enriching and rewarding periods of my life,” Dr. Strong said. “I cannot be prouder of the School, nor more appreciative of all the contributions of faculty, staff and students. I’m leaving only because of the chance to do more, in an opportunity of a lifetime.”

CIHR has a mission to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. CIHR is composed of 13 Institutes and provides leadership and support to health researchers and trainees across Canada.

“Dr. Strong’s distinguished track record as a biomedical researcher, professor, and administrator, whose contributions to science include expanding our understanding of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, will serve him well in his new role,” said Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor.

Consideration will be made to naming an Acting Dean while a comprehensive search is undertaken to appoint Dr. Strong’s successor.

Read the announcement from CIHR