The Ohio State University’s Byrd Center is proud to announce that Assistant Professor Melisa Diaz, a faculty member in the School of Earth Sciences and principal investigator of the Polar and Environmental Geochemistry Lab, has been named a 2025–2027 CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar. Diaz is one of only twelve researchers selected worldwide for this prestigious honor, which supports the next generation of research leaders tackling global challenges.

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, recognizes exceptional early-career scientists and scholars from around the globe. This year’s cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of 232 applicants representing leading institutions across Canada, the United States, Germany, Ireland, and Israel. The Scholars will participate in four interdisciplinary CIFAR research programs, working alongside internationally renowned experts to explore fundamental questions across science and society.

Diaz’s selection places her among a distinguished group of researchers who will contribute to CIFAR’s Earth 4D: Subsurface Science & Exploration program. Her innovative work uses geochemical techniques to investigate the role of ice and glacier meltwater in delivering nutrients to coastal ecosystems, which are critical for local fisheries, and to understand how chemicals are stored in ice as analogs for extraterrestrial environments. Her research bridges the physical, biological, and social sciences, with implications for both Earth and planetary systems.

This award recognizes Dr. Diaz’s groundbreaking research in polar geochemistry and celebrates her leadership in connecting science to pressing human and environmental issues. Her participation in this global program will further amplify her impact.

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program is made possible by generous support from the Azrieli Foundation. Each scholar receives CAD $100,000 in unrestricted research funding and access to international collaboration and leadership development opportunities. As equal members of CIFAR’s global research community, the Scholars are expected to forge new interdisciplinary paths and contribute to high-impact discoveries.

Congratulations to Dr. Diaz on this remarkable achievement.

Read about the CIFAR announcement.