On the Vine - January

Strengthening Rwanda

The Danforth Center is part of a new initiative to establish a Centre of Excellence for Crop Biotechnology in Rwanda. Supported by the Gates Foundation, this project aims to improve the country’s food and economic security, and position Rwanda as a regional leader in crop biotechnology. Read more.

Dr. Cary Fowler Joins Danforth Center Board

Dr. Cary Fowler, renowned agriculturalist and “father” of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, has joined the Danforth Center’s board of directors. A leading figure in the effort to ensure global food security, Dr. Fowler was also our featured speaker at last year’s “Seeds of Change.” Read more.

Dmitri Nusinow with Malia Gehan and Dong-Yeon Lee in a Danforth Center greenhouse.

Reporting Live from the Field

Drs. Dmitri Nusinow and Malia Gehan have led a collaborative effort to develop tools that enable grasses (including corn) to become “living biosensors.” How? By producing purple pigment when they detect adverse conditions in the field. This easy-to-spot signal could improve agriculture by providing farmers with critical information. Read more.

Planting in a classroom at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center.

Spotlight on JJK FAN

The Danforth Center is a proud partner of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN), which is nurturing a new generation of scientists in East St. Louis. Learn more about the Center, and meet some of its incredible students, in a new video from HEC Media.

Future Forward

Have you heard about the Danforth Center’s Future Forward campaign? In short, it’s our effort to ensure our progress can continue for many years to come. With 2026 marking the final year of the campaign, now is the perfect time to get involved. Watch our overview video to learn more.

Mark Your Calendars

Will we see you at the Center this year? Because we’ve got a great lineup of events coming your way that you won’t want to miss. Including eye-opening conversations, an after-dark party, and a day of scientific fun for all ages. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! Learn more.

Have An Impact All Year Long

Looking for an easy way to help change the world? Set up a monthly donation to the Danforth Center. Through your support, you can help fight hunger, protect our natural environment, and create a better future. Set up a recurring donation today (simply select “Ongoing” when you give).