The ICOCS community mourns the loss of Professor Dan J. Stein (17 September 1962 – 5 December 2025), who passed away while serving as a dedicated member of our Board of Directors. His death represents not only the loss of a brilliant scientific mind, but of a generous colleague, thoughtful leader, and deeply valued friend.
Dan played an integral role with the ICOCS from its inception in 2005, contributing his insight, integrity, and steady guidance across many years of board service. His voice helped shape the intellectual direction of the ICOCS, and his commitment to scientific rigor and global collaboration left an enduring imprint on our organization.
A Distinguished Scholar and Global Leader
Professor Dan Stein was internationally recognized for his broad and impactful career in psychiatry and mental health science. He served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and was the Director of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders.
Over decades of research and clinical leadership, he contributed substantially to the understanding and treatment of anxiety and obsessive–compulsive and related disorders.
His scholarship helped bridge neuroscience, clinical psychiatry, and public mental health. He was deeply committed to ensuring that scientific advances translated into meaningful improvements in care.
Dan also played a leading role in major international scientific collaborations. Notably, he chaired the workgroups for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the 11th edition of the International Classification of Disorders (ICD-11), helping to shape global diagnostic frameworks that guide research and clinical practice worldwide.
Impact on the ICOCS
Dan was a dedicated and much-loved director of the ICOCS since its founding. Over many years of board service, he provided guidance during formative moments in the organization’s development, helping to shape the ICOCS’ identity and direction. He brought a global perspective to the ICOCS and consistently encouraged collaborative engagement across regions and disciplines.
That he passed away while still serving on the ICOCS Board makes his loss especially poignant. He remained actively engaged and committed to the ICOCS till his passing, responding with his characteristic attentiveness and care. His continued involvement reflects the depth of his commitment, not only to the ICOCS but to advancing the scientific understanding and treatment of OCD and related conditions worldwide.
A Tribute from Colleagues
Board members Naomi Fineberg and Eric Hollander share the following reflection on Dan’s life and legacy which has been published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research: