Central Midwest HERC

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center was founded in 1998. Construction of the state-of-the-art research building was completed in 2001.

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.

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 Danforth Center carries on a tradition of agricultural service and commitment to human health and wellbeing and continues to play a key role in developing Missouri's thriving plant and life science hub, creating new jobs, and generating and attracting new companies.