Our New President


Giles Oldroyd, PhD, one of the world’s leading plant scientists, officially stepped into his role as President of the Danforth Center this month. Dr. Oldroyd was handed the reins by Jim Carrington, PhD, whose legacy at the Center was celebrated at an event in September. Read more about Dr. Oldroyd.

Return to the Wild
 

The key to a better food system could be just under our feet. Right now, researchers at the Danforth Center are studying the microbes within the soil of native, undisturbed prairies across Missouri. The knowledge gained could help us grow more food and simultaneously preserve our planet. Read more.

In-House Insects 


For many years, our horticulturists have utilized natural plant pest predators (insects) to reduce pesticide use and make our facilities safer for everyone. In our new blog post, you can learn about how this program is evolving, and the many tiny friends that are helping our scientists grow better experiments. Read more.

Cultivar STL: Supporting Global Innovators


The Danforth Center recently announced the first awardees of a new fund designed to advance research and open doors for startups in Latin America. An initiative of Cultivar STL, this fund provides startups with access to our Core Facilities—helping accelerate breakthroughs, validate technologies, and build global connections. Read more.

Events: BioBash | October 23


Join us for our 14th annual BioBash! This free, one-day event will bring the local scientific community together to learn, have fun, and make new connections. With workshops, panels, and a networking fair, scientists at all levels will have the chance to take their careers to new heights. Register here.

Future Forward | The Power of Annual Giving  


You have a critical role to play in our science. The groundbreaking work of our researchers wouldn’t be possible without annual donors. By making a gift in support of our Future Forward campaign, you could bring innovative research to life—and help change the world. Learn more.

A Record-Breaking Week 


Thanks to our Young Friends, our community, and all who donated, this year’s Grow Challenge Week of Giving was our most successful ever—raising more than $170,000 for our mission! Read about the incredible grand finale, Party with the Plants, or watch the highlights video in our new blog post.

The Botanical Belly  

Sugarfire Smoke House recently unveiled a new Danforth Center-inspired dish. As seen at Party with the Plants, “The Botanical Belly” incorporates sorghum and cassava, crops that play a major role in our research, and proceeds from each sale will benefit the Center. (Available Fridays at Sugarfire’s Olivette location.) Read more.

Dr. Cary Fowler at Seeds of Change

Growing New Spinouts

Thank You to Our Grow Challenge Sponsors: