Urbana, Illinois
July 31, 1998
A partnership in a $146.4 million plant science center to be built in St. Louis offers
University of Illinois scientists new opportunities to use innovative technology to
increase yields, improve
nutritional components of grain and address other crop productivity problems.
The University of Illinois joined the Missouri Botanical Garden, Monsanto Company, University of Missouri-Columbia and Washington University in St. Louis in planning the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center,
a not-for-profit research facility scheduled to open in 2000. With state-of- the-art
laboratories on the blueprint, the Danforth Center is expected to become a landmark plant
biotechnology research facility in the Heartland and one of the top plant research
facilities in the world. Research will focus on developing environmentally sound solutions
to problems of providing
food and plant-related products worldwide.
"It makes sense to have this facility in the major agricultural region of the country
and central to established plant science research programs that already are addressing the
broad, complex challenge of feeding the world," said Steven G. Pueppke, associate
dean for research at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and
Environmental Sciences.
"We see great advantages for our scientists and students to be able to drive a couple
of hours and find the latest equipment and technologies for research, participate in new
developments and explore new ideas," he said. "At the same time, the University
of Illinois has an excellent, integrated system that spans basic research to delivery of
research benefits to growers. We expect the Danforth Center researchers will want to come
to campus to work with our faculty and facilities."
Partnership in the new plant science center carries no financial cost for the University
of Illinois and will not prevent University of Illinois scientists from continuing to
collaborate with researchers at other institutions, Pueppke noted. A University of
Illinois representative will sit on the board.
"We hope this partnership will facilitate collaborative, innovative thinking among
scientists," he said.
The result could be drought-resistant plants, a more nutritious corn kernel, high-oil
grains, edible plant vaccines and other goals yet to be imagined, he said.
The Danforth Center was founded with donations, including a $60 million pledge from the
Danforth Foundation and an $81.4 million pledge of funds and land from the Monsanto Fund.
The center will be built on 40 acres north of Olive Street, east of Lindbergh Boulevard
and west of Warson Road in St. Louis. Plans include laboratories, greenhouses, a library
and meeting facilities. Company news
release
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