Dr Michael J. Strong is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at Western University. He served as the President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research from 2018 to 2023, as the Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University from 2010 to 2018, and from 2000 to 2010, as Chief of Neurology and Co-Chair of the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences. His research has focused on understanding the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) including the role of altered RNA metabolism in its genesis in addition to defining a role for altered tau metabolism in the frontotemporal spectrum disorder of ALS. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles, edited 4 textbooks and given over 200 invited lectures on these topics. He is the only Canadian to be the recipient of both Sheila Essay Award and the Forbes Norris Award for his care of ALS patients and his research. He was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology in 2008 and of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2009. In 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation medal.