Nelson José Merentes Díaz (born 6 May 1954) is a Venezuelan mathematician, researcher, and politician.

In 1978 Merentes finished his bachelor's degree of Mathematics at Central University of Venezuela and continued his post graduate education taking courses on Economy and Finance, as well as in multifunction techniques for the study of economic problems, completing finally a doctorate in Mathematics with summa cum laude honors, at the Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest (Hungary) (1991).

[2] Merentes developed most of his research and teaching at Central University of Venezuela where he participated as professor, representative and member of various councils and committees.

[6] In 2017, Canada sanctioned Merentes and other Venezuelan officials under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, stating: "These individuals are responsible for, or complicit in, gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, have committed acts of significant corruption, or both.

"[7][8] As a researcher Merentes has published more than 200 scientific papers, including some in specialized mathematical study journals.