Donald Danforth Plant Science Center was founded in 1998 by William Henry Danforth, a cardiologist, the Center was established through a $60 million gift from the Danforth Foundation, a $50 million gift from the Monsanto Fund, the donation of 40 acres of land from Monsanto, and $25 million in tax credits from the State of Missouri. Danforth Center building opened in October 2001 and houses equipment for bioinformatics,
proteomics and mass spectrometry, integrated microscopy, tissue culture,
plant growth facility. James C. Carrington is the current president. Named in honor of Dr. Danforth’s father, Donald Danforth, the Center is a fitting tribute to this onetime leader of the Ralston Purina Company. The company, which grew rapidly under his leadership, was a pillar of American agriculture, a major producer of feed for farm animals and pets, and of breakfast cereals. The independent nonprofit research center is the result of Dr. William H. Danforth’s vision that scientific knowledge, when applied to solving critical challenges, has the potential to lift families, communities and nations from poverty, empowering people everywhere, to enjoy better
health and a higher quality of life.
Last Updated on: Jan 20, 2025