The Southern African Neuroscience Society (SANS) proudly congratulates Prof. Brian Harvey of the North-West University (NWU) on being ranked among the three most cited neuroscientists in South Africa in the 2026 Research.com Best Scientists in Neuroscience rankings. This exceptional achievement reflects decades of dedication, scientific excellence, and internationally recognised contributions to neuropharmacology and psychiatric research.
Since joining the NWU School of Pharmacy in 1998, Prof. Harvey has built a distinguished research platform focused on developing translational animal models for complex psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, OCD, and schizophrenia. His pioneering work with rodent and zebrafish models has contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of neuropsychiatric illness and has fostered important international collaborations in novel drug discovery. More recently, his research has expanded into veterinary neuroscience, including investigations into capture myopathy in wildlife, further demonstrating the breadth and impact of his scientific vision.
Beyond his impressive publication record and NRF B1 researcher status, a significant part of Prof. Harvey’s legacy lies in the generations of postgraduate students he has mentored and trained throughout his career — alongside the colleagues and collaborators who have shaped and enriched his remarkable scientific journey. His commitment to bridging laboratory science with clinical relevance, together with his humility and passion for discovery, embodies the values that SANS strives to celebrate within the neuroscience community.
As Prof. Harvey approaches retirement later this year, SANS joins the broader scientific community in celebrating a career that has elevated not only the NWU, but also the profile of South African neuroscience on the global stage. We are immensely proud of this well-deserved recognition and wish him continued success and fulfilment in the next chapter of his journey.
Read the original article by Willie du Plessis on the NWU website
