Maryam Nouri Balanji — Brief Biography

 Maryam Nouri Balanji — Brief Biography

Who she is:Dr. Maryam Nouri Balanji is an Iranian biomedical researcher and inventor whose work in cancer treatment research has gained international recognition. She is best known for developing a novel anti-cancer therapeutic that has won top awards at major global invention and innovation festivals. 

Early Life & Education

Background: Specific biographical details about Dr. Balanji’s early life, birthplace, and academic training are not widely published in public sources. However, she is recognized as a scientist active in medical and biomedical research within Iran. 

Scientific Career & Major Contributions

Cancer Drug Innovation: Dr. Balanji’s main scientific contribution is the development of an innovative recombinant drug aimed at treating cancer. The medicine is derived from bioactive sugar compounds extracted from a rare marine species called Holothuria scabra (sea cucumber) found off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran. This drug is designed to inhibit cancer cell growth and has potential to treat various types of tumors. It can be produced in both injectable and oral forms. 

Research Approach: Her work bridges natural biological resources with modern biotechnology to create therapeutic solutions for cancer—combining insights from nature with advanced recombinant medicine techniques. 

International Recognition & Awards

Dr. Nouri Balanji has received significant international recognition for her work:

🏅 Gold Medal at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) 2025 in California, USA — where she won first place among global innovators for her cancer treatment innovation. 

🏅 Gold Medal and First Place at the 2023 Kaohsiung International Invention and Innovation Festival (Taiwan), organized under the World Invention Intellectual Property Associations (WIPA), along with an honorary full scholarship from Finland for outstanding research contributions. 

These awards reflect her contributions on the world innovation stage and highlight global interest in her research. 

Impact & Legacy

Scientific Influence: Though detailed academic publications and institutional affiliations are limited publicly, Dr. Balanji’s achievements have helped spotlight Iranian excellence in biomedical research, particularly in cancer treatment innovation. 

Inspiration: Her success serves as an inspiration—especially for young female scientists and innovators—to pursue cutting-edge research and contribute to pressing global health challenges.