Meet the Founder
Diane Matar, PhD has spent more than two decades working across environmental science, academia, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Her path has taken her from academic research to science philanthropy and strategic advising. The thread connecting her work has remained the same: a deep commitment to protecting our planet and the diversity of life it sustains.
She founded ClimaDiem Advisors to help bridge the worlds of science and philanthropy; bringing together scientific insight, strategy, partnerships and resources to help promising ideas move forward and make an impact.
Based in California and working with partners internationally, Diane brings a global and cross-cultural perspective to her work. She is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.
Experience Across Science and Philanthropy
Diane has advised philanthropists and foundations on emerging opportunities across climate, nature, and environmental science, while working alongside researchers and mission-driven organizations to strengthen strategy, build partnerships, and attract philanthropic support.
With a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy and experience as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University, she brings the analytical rigor of a scientist together with a deep understanding of philanthropy and a relationship-driven approach to her work. Her research has been recognized and published by several peer-reviewed and practitioner journals.
Her career across science, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector gives her a distinctive perspective on how ideas move from scientific insight to philanthropic action, along with deep networks across these communities that enable her to build meaningful bridges between them.
Advisory Roles and Communities
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TED Audacious
UNDP Equator Prize
IUCN Green List for California Marine Protected Areas Network
Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM)
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Global Philanthropy Forum
Science Philanthropy Alliance (Former Fellow)
Climate Vine (Former Fellow)
IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, North America
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Stanford University Postdoctoral Alumni
Singularity University Graduate School Program
MESPOM - Masters in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
Conversations and Perspectives
A selection of conversations, interviews, and reflections on science, philanthropy, partnerships, and the experiences that have shaped Diane’s work.
Conversation | Terraset
Reflections on building meaningful partnerships, the evolving role of philanthropy in climate innovation, and why lasting impact begins with strong relationships
High-Voltage Connections, Grounded Wisdom
Profile | Director of Strategic Development
Discussing her journey from conservation research to science philanthropy and how trusted partnerships can help advance critical climate research.
Bridging Science and Philanthropy
Alumna Story
Diane reflects on the experiences that broadened her interdisciplinary perspective on environmental science, innovation, and global sustainability.
Experiencing NASA Ames with Singularity University
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