Sandra Myrna Díaz is a globally renowned Argentine ecologist and environmental thought leader whose pioneering research has transformed our understanding of biodiversity and its essential role in sustaining life on Earth. With a career spanning over three decades, she has emerged as one of the most influential scientists in the fields of functional ecology and environmental policy.
Key Information
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Sandra Myrna Díaz |
| Date of Birth | 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Bell Ville, Córdoba Province, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Profession | Ecologist, Professor, Environmental Scientist |
| Specialization | Functional ecology, Plant traits, Ecosystem services, Biodiversity |
| Current Residence | Córdoba, Argentina |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed (private individual) |
| Languages Spoken | Spanish (native), English (fluent) |
| Education | PhD in Biological Sciences, National University of Córdoba |
| Alma Mater | National University of Córdoba |
| Current Affiliations | – Professor, UNC (National University of Córdoba) – Senior Researcher, CONICET |
| Leadership Roles | Co-Chair of IPBES 2019 Global Assessment |
| Major Scientific Projects | TRY Plant Trait Database, Global Plant Trait Initiative |
| Major Awards | – Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement (2025) – Linnean Medal – BBVA Award – Princess of Asturias Award |
| Academic Honors | Member of: – The Royal Society (UK) – National Academy of Sciences (USA) |
| Influence on Policy | IPBES, UN Biodiversity Platform, Future Earth Initiative |
| Years Active | 1980s – present |
| Research Interests | Biodiversity loss, Human-nature relationship, Environmental ethics |
| Publications | 200+ scientific articles and book chapters |
| Notable Publications | Nature, Science, Ecology Letters, Global Change Biology |
| Hobbies / Interests | Gardening, Reading, Environmental advocacy (Reported in interviews) |
| Public Communication | Advocates integrating science with indigenous and local knowledge |
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Born in 1961 in Bell Ville, a small town in the Córdoba province of Argentina, Sandra Díaz was inspired by the natural landscapes of her childhood. Her early exposure to the diverse ecosystems of Argentina planted the seeds for her future in ecological science.
She pursued her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the National University of Córdoba, where she earned her PhD in biological sciences. Her academic journey was characterized by a deep curiosity about the mechanisms that govern ecosystems, especially plant behavior and interaction.
Scientific Breakthroughs in Functional Ecology
Sandra Myrna Díaz is best known for her contributions to the field of functional traits ecology, which investigates the specific characteristics of plants (such as leaf size, seed weight, and root depth) and how these traits affect broader ecosystem functions.
Her research has highlighted how plant traits influence climate regulation, water cycles, and soil fertility, thus linking plant biology to global environmental challenges such as climate change and land degradation.
A major scientific contribution of Díaz is her work on the TRY Plant Trait Database, a collaborative initiative that collects and shares data on plant traits from around the world. This database is now used by thousands of researchers to model ecosystems and predict environmental responses.
Bridging Science and Society: The IPBES Report
Sandra Myrna Díaz work goes far beyond theoretical ecology. She was the co-chair of the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, an initiative often likened to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) but for biodiversity.
This landmark UN-backed report, involving over 150 leading scientists from around the globe, sounded the alarm on the unprecedented decline of nature due to human activity. The report estimated that one million species are at risk of extinction, urging immediate action to reverse ecological collapse.
Díaz’s leadership and communication style—balanced, evidence-based, and deeply human—played a crucial role in garnering political and public attention for biodiversity conservation.
Awards, Honors, and Global Recognition
Her outstanding scientific achievements and societal contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Linnean Medal (Linnean Society of London) – for exceptional contributions to natural history
- Princess of Asturias Award for Scientific Research – Spain’s highest scientific honor
- BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award – for advancing scientific knowledge of biodiversity
- 2025 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement – regarded as the “Nobel Prize for Environment”
- Membership in prestigious academies such as the National Academy of Sciences (USA) and the Royal Society (UK)
Educator, Mentor, and Advocate
Beyond her research, Sandra Myrna Díaz has been a mentor to countless students and researchers across Latin America and the world. She holds a professorship at the National University of Córdoba and serves as a senior researcher at CONICET, Argentina’s national scientific council.
She is an active advocate for knowledge integration, bringing together scientific data, traditional ecological knowledge, and policy to shape more inclusive and effective conservation strategies.
A Holistic Approach to Nature
What sets Díaz apart is her holistic vision. She emphasizes that the crisis of biodiversity is not only a scientific issue but also a cultural, ethical, and economic one. She calls for systemic change in how societies value nature, not just for its utility, but for its intrinsic worth.
Her work urges governments, corporations, and civil societies to rethink development models and prioritize well-being over profit, cooperation over exploitation, and sustainability over short-term gain.
Legacy and Continued Impact
Sandra Díaz continues to shape international environmental discourse, working with institutions like the United Nations, IPBES, Future Earth, and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research.
Her voice is especially crucial in amplifying the role of the Global South in scientific innovation and policy-making. She remains a strong advocate for building bridges between developed and developing nations in the fight for ecological justice.
Interesting Facts About Sandra Díaz
- First South American to Win the Tyler Prize (2025)
Sandra Díaz became the first South American woman to receive the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, often dubbed the “Nobel Prize for the Environment.” - Bridge Between Science and Indigenous Knowledge
She is a strong advocate for integrating indigenous and local knowledge into global biodiversity policies—something that was groundbreaking in large-scale UN environmental assessments. - Creator of a Global Scientific Tool
She co-founded the TRY Plant Trait Database, now the largest global database of plant traits, which helps predict how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. - Spoke for Nature at the UN Level
As co-chair of the IPBES 2019 Global Assessment, she helped present findings directly to world leaders, influencing global biodiversity policy. - Not Just a Scientist, But a Philosopher at Heart
Her ecological work is deeply rooted in ethics and philosophy, focusing not just on facts but also on how humans value and relate to nature. - Champion for the Global South in Science
She actively promotes the representation of Latin American and Global South scientists in global scientific platforms, challenging Eurocentric scientific narratives. - Promotes Feminism in Science
Sandra Díaz has spoken openly about the need for gender equality in academia, and she is seen as a role model for young women in environmental sciences. - Multilingual Collaborator
Although Spanish is her mother tongue, she fluently speaks English and works with researchers from dozens of countries, often acting as a cultural and scientific mediator. - Works Without Borders
Despite being based in Córdoba, Argentina, her influence spans over 70 countries, and she has collaborated with institutions like the UN, IPBES, IPCC, Future Earth, and more. - Humble and Private Personality
Known for her modesty, Díaz rarely seeks the spotlight and often credits her collaborators and teams instead of focusing on personal achievements.
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