Dr. Giles Oldroyd Appointed as New President of Danforth Center
Dr. Giles Oldroyd Appointed as New President of Danforth Plant Science Center
In a significant development for agricultural research, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has officially appointed Dr. Giles Oldroyd as its new president after an exhaustive search on an international scale. Dr. Oldroyd, a highly regarded figure in the realm of plant science, is noted for his impactful research into the symbiotic relationships between plants and beneficial microorganisms, which enhance nutrient uptake, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. He is set to assume his new role on October 1, 2025.
Penny Pennington, Managing Partner at Edward Jones and Chair of the Danforth Center Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Dr. Oldroyd's leadership, praising his proven track record and commitment to improving human life through plant sciences. "We are confident that under his guidance, the Danforth Center will continue to advance innovative research, foster collaboration, and expand its global influence," she stated.
Currently serving as the Russell R. Geiger Professor of Crop Science and Director of the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Oldroyd ranks among the top 1% of most-cited plant scientists worldwide. He is one of a select few to have been elected to both the Royal Society in the UK and the National Academy of Sciences in the US, both leading scientific bodies in the English-speaking world.
In addition, Dr. Oldroyd oversees the Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA) project, which is funded by Gates Ag One and aims to sustainably enhance crop yields in Africa by improving nutrient uptake. His recognition extends to being listed among the Top Agri-Food Pioneers for 2024 by the World Food Prize Foundation.
Reflecting on the importance of plant sciences in addressing the global challenges we face, Dr. Oldroyd remarked, "Plant science is crucial to tackling the pressing challenges we are confronted with. I'm honored to lead this esteemed institution as we continue to make strides through new discoveries and technologies to ensure sustainable food and fuel production."
Originating from the UK, Dr. Oldroyd earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of East Anglia and completed his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley. He began his research on beneficial microbial interactions as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University. In 2002, he took up an independent research role at the John Innes Centre in the UK, and in 2017, he transitioned to the University of Cambridge to take on a professorship in plant sciences. He has received numerous accolades and is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
Dr. Oldroyd will succeed Dr. James C. Carrington, who has led the Danforth Center since 2011, a tenure marked by significant advancements in plant science.
About the Danforth Plant Science Center
Established in 1998, the Danforth Plant Science Center is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through plant science. Its research, education, and outreach initiatives aim to operate at the junction between food security and environmental concerns, positioning the St. Louis region as a global hub for plant science.