MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders
The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders is a cross-university collaboration between the Department of Psychiatry at Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Building on the legacy of the MRC Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders (founded at SU in 1997), this new unit was established in April 2017 and is jointly led by Prof Dan Stein (UCT) and Prof Christine Lochner (SU).
Project Leaders
Prof Dan Stein (UCT)
Director – Focus on anxiety disorders, cross-cultural psychiatry
email: [email protected]
Prof Christine Lochner (SU)
Co-director – Genetics of OCD and anxiety disorders
email: [email protected]
Dr. Nastassja Koen (UCT)
Neurogenetics researcher – Psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry
email: [email protected]
Prof Brian Harvey (North-West University)
Animal models co-director – PTSD and neuropharmacology
email: [email protected]
Dr. Annerine Roos (UCT)
Neuroscientist – Brain structure, development, and aging
Email: [email protected]
Research Overview
Psychiatric disorders are a growing global health challenge. The Unit extends its focus beyond anxiety and stress to include disorders involving compulsivity, impulsivity, and related conditions. Its research ranges from basic neuroscience, animal models, and genetics, to brain imaging, clinical trials, and community and cultural psychology.
A key initiative of the unit is the Mental Health Information Centre (www.mentalhealthsa.org.za), which promotes mental health awareness and provides a 24-hour telephone support service.
Key Research Areas
- Psychobiology of anxiety and related disorders
- Neurogenetics and imaging
- Clinical trials and translational research
- Community-based mental health