It is with deep sadness that the SAMRC acknowledges the passing of Professor Dan Stein, an esteemed scientist, colleague, and leader in the field of mental health research.
Prof. Stein served the SAMRC with distinction as Extramural Unit Director of the SAMRC/UCT Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders Research Unit and previously as Extramural Unit Director of the SAMRC/UCT Anxiety and Stress Disorders Research Unit. His intellectual leadership, scientific rigour, and unwavering commitment to advancing mental health research have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s scientific landscape. Through his pioneering research, he elevated the global standing of South African mental health research and contributed meaningfully to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness.
Prof. Stein studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, including an intercalated undergraduate degree with majors in biochemistry and psychology. He later trained in psychiatry and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the area of psychopharmacology at Columbia University in the US. He subsequently completed doctoral degrees in clinical neuroscience as well as in philosophy at Stellenbosch University.
Prof. Stein published more than 1,600 papers in peer-reviewed journals and was consistently ranked among the most cited researchers globally, with over 320,000 citations. His Google Scholar h-index exceeded 220 - among the highest of any African scholar - and he was an NRF A-rated researcher.
Prof. Stein’s legacy extends far beyond his prolific academic contributions. He was a generous mentor, a thoughtful collaborator, and a person of great humility and integrity. His dedication to nurturing emerging scientists has strengthened the foundations of our research community and will continue to shape the field for years to come.
On behalf of the SAMRC, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Prof. Stein’s wife Prof Heather Zar and their family, friends, colleagues, and the many students whose careers he helped shape. His passing is a profound loss to the scientific community, to South Africa, and to all who had the privilege of working with him.
The SAMRC honours his extraordinary legacy and remains committed to advancing the mental health research agenda to which he devoted his life.
Sincerely,
Prof Liesl Zühlke
Vice President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio
South African Medical Research Council