Mubeen Goolam receives coveted Lawrence Goldstein Science Policy Fellowship

Dr Mubeen Goolam placed the University of Cape Town (UCT) on the global stage yet again when he became the first African to receive the coveted Lawrence Goldstein Science Policy Fellowship, conferred by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR).

The fellowship is designed to train scientists to become stem cell policy advocates. During this time, recipients gain hands-on experience in policy, which includes participating in ISSCR advocacy and outreach activities in their region of the world and working closely with the ISSCR Public Policy Committee on special projects, policy messaging and communications. Dr Goolam is one of just three new Goldstein Science Policy Fellows who will serve the ISSCR for the next three years. Their term starts in June.

“The Goldstein Fellows initiative offers [an] unmatched opportunity to be at the forefront of science policy and advocacy work that impacts the future of regenerative medicine,” said Sean Morrison, the chairperson of the ISSCR’s Public Policy Committee. “We have three exceptional investigators joining our policy efforts, each of whom brings an important perspective and helps to expand advocacy education globally.”

A Global South voice

As the principal investigator of the Stem Cell Modelling of Development and Disease Group, located in UCT’s Department of Human Biology and the Neuroscience Institute, Goolam has led talks and discussions on promoting diversity in stem cell and organoid research. He was invited to present at the International Network for Governmental Science Advice Summit, where he promoted stem cell research in Africa.

“Since joining UCT, it has been my goal to drive African stem cell research and promote diversity in this field.”

“Despite being the most genetically diverse population in the world, Africa is significantly underrepresented in stem cell research globally. Since joining UCT, it has been my goal to drive African stem cell research and promote diversity in this field,” Goolam said.

Therefore, he said, being awarded this fellowship is a “great privilege” because it will enable him to drive advocacy and public policy in the field in South Africa and the rest of the continent.

“It is critical that the incredible medical advancements that arise from stem cell research are accessible to all, and having inclusive policies around their development is a critical way to ensure this,” Goolam said. “By gaining experience in this field through this fellowship, I hope to be the voice in the Global South that can ensure equality in public policies surrounding these emerging technologies.”