Ernest Jaworski
is a pioneer
in agricultural
biotechnology,
recognized with
the 1998 National
Medal of Technology
for his work
in plant biology
and his global
leadership in
the development
and commercialization
of genetically
modified crops
to enhance agricultural
productivity.
In addition,
he was instrumental
in the conceptualization
and initiation
of the Danforth
Center, serving
as interim director
of the Center
from August
1, 1998 to December
31, 1998, and
continuing to
serve as a valued
advisor at the
Center.
Jaworski worked
at Monsanto
Company for
41 years, spending
his last 15
years there
creating and
developing its
plant biotechnology
program. Research
he directed
elucidated the
mechanism by
which glyphosate,
a newly developed
herbicide, prevents
growth in plants.
Further work
uncovered a
technique that
would allow
crop plants
to be genetically
altered so that
they could withstand
treatment with
glyphosate,
becoming herbicide
resistant.
Jaworski currently
serves as Scientist-in-Residence
at the St. Louis
Science Center.
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