Marina Simian (born 3 December 1971) is an Argentine biologist, cancer researcher, and science communicator. She gained national recognition in 2019 after appearing on a television game show to raise funds for her research, highlighting the precarious state of scientific funding in Argentina.[1][2][3]
Simian is a senior researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) in Argentina, where she focuses on breast cancer and tumor microenvironments. She also leads a laboratory at the National University of San Martín (UNSAM).[1]
In May 2019, Simian appeared on the Argentine version of *¿Quién quiere ser millonario?* (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire), hosted by Santiago del Moro, where she won 500,000 pesos. She announced she would use the money to buy reagents and keep her lab operational, drawing attention to chronic underfunding of public science in Argentina.[2][3] Her appearance sparked a national conversation on the value of scientific research and public investment.
Oncoliq
In 2022, Simian co-founded **Oncoliq**, a biotechnology startup developing low-cost, non-invasive molecular diagnostics for early cancer detection, especially in under-resourced settings. She serves as its CEO.[4]
Public recognition
Following her media appearance, Simian became a public figure for science advocacy. She has spoken at educational forums, written op-eds, and is often cited in debates about research policy in Argentina.[1][3]
Selected awards
**2019** – Special Recognition from the Legislature of Buenos Aires for “promoting scientific culture”
**2022** – Featured in *Once Upon a Founder* by Mana Tech as a notable LatAm entrepreneur[4]
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