On the Vine
Jim Carrington Headshot

Danforth Center President & CEO Announces Transition Plan


Jim Carrington, PhD, president and CEO of the Danforth Center, has announced he will step down on July 1, 2025. “I know the Center will benefit greatly from the renewal of perspective, ideas, and talents that come with a new leader,” said Dr. Carrington. Read the full press release.

Group photo featuring members of the Slotkin lab Veena Veena and Hochul Yi.

Big Spotlight on a Big Idea


Research conducted in the lab of Keith Slotkin, PhD, and with his collaborator, Veena Veena, PhD, was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature. The publication focuses on a groundbreaking new technology, first pitched at Big Ideas 2.0, that makes crop improvement faster and more cost-effective. Read more.

Close-up of a bee in the Danforth Center prairie.

Meet the FieldDock


Developed in the lab of Nadia Shakoor, PhD, in collaboration with Agrela Ecosystems and Taylor Geospatial Institute, FieldDock is a new, all-in-one smart-farm system. Using high-tech tools to collect data can help farmers and researchers conserve resources while optimizing crop productivity. Read more.

Denise and Jerry Steiner.

Celebrating Jerry Steiner  


Jerry Steiner, co-founder of CoverCress, Inc. has led a long and distinguished career in agriculture—and in giving back. For his many acts of service, connection, and support, the Danforth Center presented Jerry with the Danforth Distinguished Service Award last October. Read more about Jerry’s life and career.

Guests at Party with the Plants 2023 accompanied by the Grow Challenge logo

EVENTS: Party with the Plants| September 27


Early bird tickets now on sale! Join us for our most fun-filled night of the year! Hosted by our Young Friends, Party with the Plants is a fundraising celebration—an evening of science, music, mingling, and more, all in support of our mission. Learn more and get your early bird discounted tickets here.

Cover of the 2023 Annual Report

The Annual Report is Here!


The Danforth Center’s 2023 Annual Report is available now online. Inside, you can look back on the biggest stories and accomplishments from our 25th year and learn how the people of our community are creating a better, healthier world together. Read the Report here.

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In Case You Missed It...
Children measuring crops at at JJK FAN.

Bringing Jobs and Joy to Illinois 

Close-up of a bee in the Danforth Center prairie.

Celebrating our Prairie Pollinators