Contact: Robert Fischer, 314-727-9988 or rfischer@wac-stl.org

World Affairs Council of St. Louis set to recognize Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for humanitarian efforts to improve the human condition 

ST. LOUIS (April 23, 2012)—The World Affairs Council of St. Louis announced that it will recognize the efforts of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center led by Dr. William H. Danforth, chairman of the board of trustees, and Dr. James C. Carrington, president, with the organization’s second annual International Humanitarian of the Year Award.

The organization’s top award will honor the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for its mission to improve the human condition through crop research that centers on feeding the hungry, improving human health and preserving the environment.  The award specifically recognizes the Center’s Institute for International Crop Improvement which aims to bring improved crops that yield more per acre, are richer in essential nutrients and resistant to disease, insects and drought to small farmers in places such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.

“The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center serves as a seed of hope here in the St. Louis region – applying research to better address malnutrition, preserve our environment and explore novel, sustainable energy solutions,” said Robert A. Fischer, executive director of the World Affairs Council of St. Louis. “The leadership of Dr. Danforth and Dr. Carrington are an essential part of fostering this valuable, humanitarian-based research which can impact the lives of farmers and citizens of nations throughout our world.”