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Danforth’s New Director: St. Louis is "Powerhouse of Plant Science"
One of the world’s foremost plant scientists will make his home in St. Louis as the next President and CEO of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center — a member of the GSL Investor Council. Giles Oldroyd, a renowned plant geneticist, is among the top 1% of highly cited plant scientists in the world. He’ll succeed Dr. James Carrington, who has served in the role for 14 years.
“The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is really one of the world leading institutions in plant science,” said Oldroyd, who comes from the University of Cambridge. “I don’t think many people in St. Louis realize what a powerhouse St. Louis is in plant science. There aren’t that many institutions of the caliber that Danforth has, and more than that, it’s independent and able to choose its own path.”
The Bottom Line: For the past 30 years, St. Louis leaders have worked to transform St. Louis into a global leader in plant science. Those efforts have not only paid off, they serve as a playbook for other rising sectors, like geospatial technology and advanced manufacturing, that are key to the growth of the region’s economy.
"People want to be here in St. Louis because of the powerhouse of plant science," said Oldroyd. "I'm finding the community so amazingly supportive. Plant science is so great because of the generosity of the St. Louis community."
A new agreement between Washington University, an executive-level GSL investor and the region’s foremost research university, and MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canadian life science business of Germany's Merck KGaA, builds on 90 years of research and innovation between the two. The expanded collaboration will support joint research initiatives, technology scouting, and research enablement, and emphasizes the commitment both institutions have to St. Louis — and to the growth of life science innovation here and around the world.
“Our partnership with WashU underscores MilliporeSigma’s commitment to empower the next generation of scientists driving progress in healthcare and the life sciences,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, CEO of MilliporeSigma.
The Bottom Line: In today’s world, research funding is unpredictable, but partnerships like this one showcase how established organizations can ensure consistency and advancement in research and development for the St. Louis region. “This agreement represents a new milestone in the shared history of WashU and MilliporeSigma," said WashU Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. "Collaboration is central to our university’s research and scientific success. Partnering with an industry leader like MilliporeSigma will expand our capacity to generate solutions to the world’s greatest challenges."
Spire, an executive-level GSL investor, will expand to Tennessee with the $2.48 billion acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy. Piedmont is the largest investor-owned natural gas utility in Tennessee and will expand Spire’s utility customer base to nearly 2 million homes. Natural Fit.
Accenture Deepens St. Louis Ties
In 2021, Accenture Federal Services, a GSL Chair’s Council member and a subsidiary of Accenture, made its mark on St. Louis with the opening of an Advanced Technology Center, generating 1,400 new jobs. Announced this week, the company will deepen its ties to the region with the acquisition of St. Louis-based Maryville Consulting Group. Strategic Growth.
Help Needed: State of Emergency for Lincoln County
Flash floods hit Lincoln County this past weekend, impacting 50 homeowners and 20 - 30 businesses. Officials called the flooding a “once in a 500-year event.” Donations and volunteers are needed. How you can help.
A Legacy Honored
This week, Explore St. Louis dedicated the Dr. Donald M. Suggs Entry and Lobby at America’s Center Convention Complex, honoring Dr. Suggs’ transformative leadership in journalism, health advocacy, education, and civic engagement in St. Louis and beyond. Suggs, the Publisher and Executive Editor of the St. Louis American, is also a GSL Board Member.
WingXpand Secures New Defense Contracts and Expands Smart Plane Production (DroneLife)
STL Film Office helps bring $12M to regional economy (St. Louis American)
STL Outside
Our region is home to incredible green spaces and stunning vistas a short distance from wherever you are. Get inspired by these STLMade stories of explorers, adventure seekers, and St. Louisans working to preserve local natural beauty.
