Internationally recognized plant scientist named next President of the Danforth Plant Science Center

ST. LOUIS, MO., February 18, 2025 - After an extensive international search, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has named Giles Oldroyd, PhD, as its next President. Oldroyd, a plant geneticist, is internationally recognized for his work to understand symbiotic interactions between plants and beneficial bacteria and fungi that aid in the uptake of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. He will step into his new role on October 1, 2025.

"Dr. Oldroyd is a proven leader with a passion and strong commitment for improving lives through plant science," said Penny Pennington, managing partner, Edward Jones and chair, Danforth Center Board of Directors, who led the search committee. "Under his leadership, we are confident the Danforth Center will continue to drive innovative research, foster collaboration and expand its impact across the globe."

Since 2017 Oldroyd has served as the Russell R. Geiger Professor of Crop Science and Director of the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge. He also leads the Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA) project, funded by Gates Agricultural Innovations, which seeks to sustainably raise crop yields in Africa through improved nutrient uptake.

Oldroyd is in the top 1% of highly cited plant scientists across the globe, and one of only a few hundred scientists in the world who are elected members in both the UK’s Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences, the two foremost scientific organizations in the English-speaking world. 

“Plant science is essential to tackling the global challenges we face,” said Oldroyd. “I am honored to lead this prestigious institution as we continue to deliver impact through new discoveries and technologies, ensuring the sustainable production of food and fuel.”

By bridging scientific research with practical applications, Oldroyd collaborates with industry and academic partners to address global food security and environmental challenges. He was recently named to the 2024 Top Agri-Food Pioneers List by the World Food Prize Foundation. 

Born and raised in the UK, Oldroyd received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of East Anglia and earned his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. He began work on beneficial microbial interactions as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University. In 2002 he joined the John Innes Centre, UK as an independent investigator and in 2017 moved to the University of Cambridge, where he is Professor of Crop Science. He has received numerous awards and is a Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Oldroyd succeeds Danforth Center President and CEO James C. Carrington, PhD, who announced in July that he would step down after 14 years of leadership. During his tenure, the Danforth Center has grown significantly through doubling its staff, expanding the scope of scientific research, and developing new facilities like the William H. Danforth building on the main campus and a 140-acre Field Research Site in St. Charles County. Carrington set priorities for new plant science research initiatives, and for moving the products of research into the marketplace through spin-out company formation and the development of the 39 North Innovation District.  

“I could not feel more optimistic about the Danforth Center’s future with Giles Oldroyd at the helm,” said Carrington. “He’s a highly respected leader who is committed to growing our impact in St. Louis and around the world.”