MyoCon! September 24–27, 2026.
Scientific progress begins with curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to improving lives. This year, The Myositis Association (TMA) is proud to recognize Conrad “Chris” Weihl, MD, PhD, as the recipient of the 2026 Heroes in Research Award, honoring his longstanding contributions to neuromuscular research and his commitment to people living with myositis.
Presented annually as part of TMA’s Heroes in the Fight celebration, the Heroes in Research Award recognizes a researcher who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing our understanding of myositis diseases through innovative scientific investigation. Dr. Weihl’s career exemplifies the spirit of this award through his groundbreaking research, clinical leadership, and mentorship of the next generation of scientists and physicians.
Dr. Weihl is a Professor of Neurology, Head of the Neuromuscular Section, and Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout his career, he has focused on understanding the processes that lead to muscle degeneration and weakness, with particular emphasis on the role of protein quality control systems in both genetic and acquired muscle diseases.
His research has helped shed light on the mechanisms that contribute to muscle damage and disease progression, opening new avenues for understanding and potentially treating neuromuscular disorders. Dr. Weihl is particularly recognized for his commitment to advancing research and care for inclusion body myositis (IBM), the most common acquired muscle disease in people over age 50 and one of the most challenging forms of myositis to treat. His work seeks to better understand the cellular and molecular processes that contribute to the progressive muscle weakness experienced by people living with IBM. By exploring how muscle fibers are damaged and why they lose their ability to repair themselves, Dr. Weihl and his colleagues are helping to uncover clues that may lead to future therapeutic approaches.
His dedication to IBM extends beyond the laboratory. Recognizing the need for specialized care, Dr. Weihl recently established a clinic devoted specifically to people living with inclusion body myositis. This clinic brings together multidisciplinary expertise to address the complex physical, functional, and emotional challenges associated with the disease while also creating opportunities for patients to participate in research that may shape future treatments.
In addition to his scientific accomplishments, Dr. Weihl has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to developing future leaders in neuromuscular medicine. He received a prestigious National Institutes of Health K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award, supporting his mentorship of residents, fellows, junior faculty, and early-career researchers pursuing patient-oriented research. Through this work, his influence extends far beyond his own laboratory, helping cultivate the next generation of investigators dedicated to muscle disease research.
Dr. Weihl’s relationship with TMA spans many years. He is a past chair of TMA’s Medical Advisory Board, a 2013 recipient of a TMA research grant, and a longtime supporter of the myositis community. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Neuromuscular Disorders, the official journal of the World Muscle Society, where he helps guide and disseminate important advances in neuromuscular research.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Chris Weihl, recipient of TMA’s 2026 Heroes in Research Award.
The Heroes in Research Award is presented annually to a researcher who has demonstrated significant commitment to improving our understanding of myositis diseases through innovative research and scientific leadership.
Previous recipients include Victoria P. Werth, MD; Thomas Eugene Lloyd, MD, PhD; Rohit Aggarwal, MD; and Frederick Miller, MD. Through this award, TMA recognizes the researchers whose work brings hope to patients and families by expanding knowledge and accelerating progress in the fight against myositis.
