Danforth Center President Dr. Giles Oldroyd to Make His St. Louis Public Debut at Seeds of Change 2026
On March 31, the internationally renowned scientist shares the bold vision that brought him from Cambridge to St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS (March 16, 2026) — The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center invites the public to Seeds of Change 2026, a free evening program on March 31, featuring the first public address of Danforth Center President Dr. Giles Oldroyd. Attendance is free for in-person and virtual guests, but registration is required.
Dr. Oldroyd, a plant geneticist who left his post at the University of Cambridge to lead the world's premier plant science institution, will share his vision for how plants can feed a growing world population, restore soil health, and reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. Oldroyd is among the top 1% of highly cited plant scientists across the globe, a rare dual member of both the UK's Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences, and a 2024 World Food Prize Foundation Top Agri-Food Pioneer.
Edward Jones Managing Partner and Danforth Center Board Chair Penny Pennington, named one of Fortune's "Most Powerful Women," will serve as emcee.
“Dr. Giles Oldroyd is exactly the kind of visionary leader who inspires all of us to think differently about the challenges facing our planet," said Pennington. "We are so proud to welcome him to St. Louis, a city that has long been at the heart of agricultural innovation, and to celebrate the extraordinary work being done right here at the Danforth Center. Events like Seeds of Change remind us that science, community, and bold ambition can change the world."
"I came to St. Louis because this is where I see the greatest opportunity to drive plant science to impact people around the world. Seeds of Change is my chance to share that conviction with the community that makes this work possible," said Dr. Giles Oldroyd, president, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
Audience in the Danforth Center's AT&T auditorium.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: March 31, 2026
PROGRAM: 5:30–6:30 PM; Reception follows
LOCATION: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132
ADMISSION: Free | Registration required | Virtual option available via livestream
REGISTER: danforthcenter.org/seeds
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
About Seeds of Change
Organized by the Danforth Leadership Council since 2010, the annual Seeds of Change program is a networking and education event featuring a high-level thought leader. Typical programs energize the audience with inspirational stories, uniting people to work in collaboration toward common goals that connect with the Danforth Center's values and mission. The event draws hundreds of influential business and community leaders annually and is one of the premier science and ideas events in St. Louis.
About the Danforth Center
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is the largest independent nonprofit dedicated to plant science in the world. With a mission to improve the human condition through plant science, the Center conducts plant science research to feed people and improve human health, preserve and renew the environment, and innovate for economic development in the US and around the world. The Danforth Center hosts five public events per year. For more information, visit danforthcenter.org.
Media Contact Kristina DeYong | Public Information Officer, Danforth Center kdeyong@danforthcenter.org
Interested media may reach out to set up a pre-event interview with Dr. Giles Oldroyd. He will be available for brief comments on March 31 immediately before the event, or for a more in-depth interview during business hours on March 27, 30, or 31.