University of Cape Town scientist Dr Mubeen Goolam has earned a top Harvard Fellowship for groundbreaking stem cell research.

In a remarkable achievement for South African science, Dr Mubeen Goolam, principal investigator of the Stem Cell Modelling of Development and Disease Group at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has been awarded the highly esteemed Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This accolade is not just a recognition of his scientific prowess, but also underscores the significance of integrating diverse perspectives into the rapidly evolving landscape of global biotechnology.

The year-long fellowship offers Dr Goolam a unique platform to pursue an interdisciplinary project that aims to shape the future of stem cell research in Africa. The Radcliffe Institute, known for its commitment to fostering a diverse array of scholarship and artistic expression, invites leading thinkers worldwide to collaborate, engage, and innovate in their respective fields.

“This fellowship is a really valuable professional milestone for me. It recognises not just my scientific work, but also highlights the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies develop in ways that are globally inclusive and socially responsive,” Dr Goolam said. Hailing from South Africa, he views his ability to contribute African perspectives to international science discussions as particularly meaningful.