Renowned Plant Scientist Giles Oldroyd Appointed as President of Danforth Plant Science Center
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has announced the appointment of Dr. Giles Oldroyd as its new president following an extensive international search process. This prestigious role will see Oldroyd take charge starting October 1, 2025. Recognized worldwide for his groundbreaking research in plant genetics, Dr. Oldroyd has significantly advanced the understanding of symbiotic relationships between plants and beneficial microorganisms, particularly in relation to nutrient absorption, which plays a key role in agriculture.
Dr. Penny Pennington, the chairwoman of the board at the Danforth Center and managing partner at Edward Jones, expressed confidence in Oldroyd’s leadership skills and passion for utilizing plant science to enhance lives. She noted that under his guidance, the center is poised to continue its tradition of innovative research and collaboration, extending its global impact in the field of plant sciences.
Oldroyd has been serving as the Russell R. Geiger Professor of Crop Science and director of the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge since 2017. He is part of the top 1% of the most cited plant scientists globally and is a fellow of both the Royal Society in the UK and the National Academy of Sciences in the United States, marking him as one of the elite group of scientists recognized for their contributions to the discipline.
Further, he is head of the Gates Ag One-funded project Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA), aimed at sustainably improving crop yields in Africa through enhanced nutrient absorption. His recent accolade includes being recognized as one of the leading pioneers in the field of agro-food for the year 2024 by the World Food Prize Foundation.
In a statement, Oldroyd remarked on the critical role plant science holds in addressing global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability. "It is a privilege to lead this esteemed institution, which is continually making impactful discoveries and developing technologies to ensure sustainable food and fuel production," he said.
Dr. Oldroyd, originally from the UK, earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of East Anglia and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. His career began with a focus on beneficial microbial interactions while working as a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University under the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He has also been affiliated with the John Innes Centre in the UK before transitioning to Cambridge.
As he prepares to step into this critical role, Oldroyd will be succeeding Dr. James C. Carrington, PhD, who has led the Danforth Center since 2011. Carrington's tenure has seen significant advancements at the center, and Oldroyd’s leadership will aim to build upon these successes.
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving human welfare through the science of plants. It focuses on research, education, and outreach efforts that intersect food security and environmental concerns, reinforcing the St. Louis region's standing as a global hub for plant science innovation. With its mission to drive advancements in agricultural technologies, the center continues to foster a collaborative environment for scientific exploration and discovery.
Dr. Penny Pennington, the chairwoman of the board at the Danforth Center and managing partner at Edward Jones, expressed confidence in Oldroyd’s leadership skills and passion for utilizing plant science to enhance lives. She noted that under his guidance, the center is poised to continue its tradition of innovative research and collaboration, extending its global impact in the field of plant sciences.
Oldroyd has been serving as the Russell R. Geiger Professor of Crop Science and director of the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge since 2017. He is part of the top 1% of the most cited plant scientists globally and is a fellow of both the Royal Society in the UK and the National Academy of Sciences in the United States, marking him as one of the elite group of scientists recognized for their contributions to the discipline.
Further, he is head of the Gates Ag One-funded project Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA), aimed at sustainably improving crop yields in Africa through enhanced nutrient absorption. His recent accolade includes being recognized as one of the leading pioneers in the field of agro-food for the year 2024 by the World Food Prize Foundation.
In a statement, Oldroyd remarked on the critical role plant science holds in addressing global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability. "It is a privilege to lead this esteemed institution, which is continually making impactful discoveries and developing technologies to ensure sustainable food and fuel production," he said.
Dr. Oldroyd, originally from the UK, earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of East Anglia and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. His career began with a focus on beneficial microbial interactions while working as a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University under the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He has also been affiliated with the John Innes Centre in the UK before transitioning to Cambridge.
As he prepares to step into this critical role, Oldroyd will be succeeding Dr. James C. Carrington, PhD, who has led the Danforth Center since 2011. Carrington's tenure has seen significant advancements at the center, and Oldroyd’s leadership will aim to build upon these successes.
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving human welfare through the science of plants. It focuses on research, education, and outreach efforts that intersect food security and environmental concerns, reinforcing the St. Louis region's standing as a global hub for plant science innovation. With its mission to drive advancements in agricultural technologies, the center continues to foster a collaborative environment for scientific exploration and discovery.
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