Al-Zahraa University for Women continues to strengthen its scientific presence in the field of applied research and academic innovation through distinguished achievements in medical and pharmaceutical studies, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting research with scientific and practical impact.

Professor Dr. Lama Majeed Ahmed, Director of Al-Zahraa Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research, was awarded the University Award for Leadership and Innovation 2026 in recognition of her participation in a specialized scientific research project focused on enhancing the inhibitory effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells through the preparation, characterization, and application of Tamoxifen in an innovative nano-formulation.

The study aimed to develop nano-based treatments loaded with Tamoxifen using advanced nanotechnology techniques and to investigate their effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The findings revealed that the prepared nano-formulations demonstrated significantly higher efficacy compared to conventional Tamoxifen treatment.

Among the tested formulations, the Mg/Fe-Tamoxifen-LDH treatment achieved the highest inhibition rate of cancer cells, with the lowest IC50 value of 2.8 µg/mL, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic approach in targeted drug delivery and in reducing side effects.

This recognition came during the first edition of the “University Award for Leadership and Innovation 2026,” organized by the Department of Science and Technology Parks at University of Karbala, with the aim of supporting research projects with practical applications and encouraging scientific outputs capable of transforming into effective solutions that serve both the healthcare and community sectors.

For her part, the Director of the Center emphasized that this achievement reflects the importance of linking scientific research with practical application in advancing medical studies. She noted that the use of nanotechnology represents a promising research direction that contributes to improving treatment efficiency and minimizing adverse effects.

This accomplishment aligns with the university’s strategic vision to foster a strong environment for scientific research and innovation, while enhancing its academic presence in specialized studies with practical impact, in harmony with the directions of the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research toward advancing research and connecting its outcomes with the needs of society and the healthcare sector.