Renowned Plant Scientist Named President of Danforth Plant Science Center
ST. LOUIS, February 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After an extensive international search, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has appointed Giles Oldroyd, PhD, a globally recognized plant geneticist, as its next president. Oldroyd is known for his groundbreaking work in understanding symbiotic interactions between plants and beneficial bacteria and fungi that aid in nutrient absorption, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. He will assume his new role on October 1, 2025.
“The Dr. Oldroyd is a proven leader with a passion and strong commitment to improving lives through plant science,” said Penny Pennington, managing partner of Edward Jones and chair of the Danforth Center’s Board of Directors, who led the search committee. “Under his leadership, we are confident that the Danforth Center will continue to drive innovative research, foster collaboration, and expand its impact globally.”
Oldroyd, who has been a professor at the University of Cambridge since 2017, is among the top 1% of most cited plant scientists worldwide. He is also one of the few scientists elected to both the UK’s Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences, the two most prestigious scientific organizations in the English-speaking world.
In addition to his academic achievements, Oldroyd leads the Gates Ag One-funded project, Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA), aimed at sustainably increasing crop yields in Africa through improved nutrient absorption. He was recently named to the World Food Prize Foundation’s 2024 list of Agrofood Pioneers.
“The importance of plant science in addressing global challenges cannot be understated,” said Oldroyd. “It is an honor for me to lead this prestigious institution as we continue to make an impact through new discoveries and technologies, ensuring sustainable food and fuel production.”
Born and raised in the UK, Oldroyd earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of East Anglia and his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his research on beneficial microbial interactions as a postdoctoral fellow at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University. In 2002, he joined the John Innes Centre in the UK as an independent researcher and moved to the University of Cambridge in 2017, where he is a professor of Crop Science. Oldroyd has received numerous awards and is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
Oldroyd succeeds James C. Carrington, PhD, as president and CEO of the Danforth Center, who has led the Center since 2011.
ABOUT THE DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER
Founded in 1998, the Danforth Plant Science Center is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving human conditions through plant science. Its research, education, and outreach efforts aim to make an impact at the intersection of food security and the environment and position the St. Louis region as a global hub for plant science.
In conclusion, Oldroyd’s appointment as president of the Danforth Plant Science Center marks a significant milestone in the field of plant science. His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly drive innovative research and collaboration, furthering the Center’s impact on a global scale. It is an exciting time for the Danforth Center and the future of plant science under Oldroyd’s guidance. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in sustainable agriculture.
