Argentine biologist and CONICET researcher Sandra Díaz was awarded the 2025 Tyler Prize, commonly known as the “Nobel Prize for the Environment”, together with Brazilian anthropologist Eduardo Brondízio. Both scientists were chosen for their studies on the interconnection between biodiversity and human beings. They are the first South American scientists to receive it.

“Sandra and Eduardo have dramatically advanced our understanding of the planet’s biodiversity, but they have also gone far beyond that,” said Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Chair of the Tyler Prize.

“Their evidence-based recommendations for protecting and sustainably using our vital natural resources are a perfect example of how science can make a real impact,” read a statement by the Tyler Prize Executive Committee, who will also the scientists with a US$250,000 prize to both scientists.

The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is awarded by the University of Southern California. It was established in 1973 by the late John and Alice Tyler to recognize outstanding contributions to work on the environment, energy, and health that generate significant benefits for humanity.

Following the announcement, the winners issued a statement affirming the need to delve deeper into the interconnection of these issues. “Socio-environmental justice and respect for our connections with other forms of life on Earth must cease to be abstract concepts,” they wrote. 

Díaz and Brondízio will receive the award at a ceremony in Los Angeles on April 10, 2025.

Díaz was born in Bell Ville, Córdoba. A world-renowned biologist, she has conducted cutting-edge research on the interactions between humans and biodiversity, and made major contributions to include its protection in different legislations.

In the last decade, Díaz and Brondízio have carried out several joint studies and reports, such as the Global Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), published in 2019, and the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.

With information by Ámbito