Getting ahead: Prof Dan Stein is UCT's latest A-rated researcher

Professor Dan Stein, director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, is UCT's latest A-rated researcher.

Stein works primarily in the area of anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

"I'm interested in what causes these conditions, and how best to treat them," he says. "I'm particularly interested in the possibility of research that integrates theoretical concepts and empirical data across these different levels."

Since coming to UCT three years ago, Stein has been involved with setting up the Brain-Behaviour UCT signature theme, as well as the Cross-University Brain-Behaviour NRF Research Niche Area. The BBI and CUBBI have led to a range of new ideas for projects. Among their successes are the initiation of the UCT-SU brain imaging facility, and National Institutes of Health, MRC and National Research Foundation funding in areas such as psychological trauma, HIV, and substance use.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the data that emerges from the different projects that have been set up by the BBI and CUBBI," says Stein, "and I'm hoping that the doctoral and postdoctoral fellows involved will have successful and interesting careers, working across disciplines and departments to address brain-behaviour issues that are important to South Africa."