Saeed Balalaie

Saeed Balalaie (; born 26 September 1965) is an Iranian organic chemist and professor at K. N. Toosi University of Technology. His research focuses on multicomponent reactions, peptide synthesis, and the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Balalaie was a recipient of the 33rd Khwarizmi International Award in 2019 (announced in February 2020) for applied research and was named Iran's National Outstanding Researcher in the same year (2019).

Early life and education Balalaie was born on 26 September 1965 in Rasht, Gilan Province, Iran.

His research group has worked on the development of multicomponent reactions (MCRs), particularly for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. His work in this area has included the use of zeolite catalysts for the preparation of tetrasubstituted imidazoles and other heterocycles.

His research has also involved developing synthetic routes for several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Awards and honors National Outstanding Researcher Award (2019) First Prize in Applied Research Projects, 33rd Khwarizmi International Award (2019) Iran Book of the Year Award (2020), for "Peptide Chemistry in Persian" Distinguished University Professor in Iran, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (2021) Distinguished Organic Chemistry Professor in Iran, by Iranian Chemical Society (2013) Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Fellowship: Awarded multiple research stays (2002, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2017) Scientific Ambassador of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Iran (2015–2020) Outstanding Researcher Award, K.N. Toosi University of Technology (multiple years)

Selected publications