Lecture Series with Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin

The Crop Trust is pleased to join Colorado State University, Denver Botanic Gardens, and WorldDenver in welcoming Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin, co-recipient of the 2024 World Food Prize, to Colorado this September.

Dr. Hawtin is an internationally recognized expert on crop diversity and a former Executive Director of the Crop Trust. Together with Dr. Cary Fowler, he received the 2024 World Food Prize for their visionary leadership in safeguarding the world’s crop diversity and making it available for future generations. Their work led to the establishment of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in partnership with the Government of Norway, now home to more than 1.3 million seed samples from around the world.

During his visit, Dr. Hawtin will meet with students, faculty, and community members and will give two public lectures highlighting the essential role of crop diversity in ensuring global food and nutrition security.

Banking on Crop Diversity for a Food-Secure World

Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

Venue: Colorado State University, USDA National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation

Dr. Hawtin will discuss the critical importance of conserving crop diversity in the face of climate change, growing populations, and evolving challenges to food security.

(Registration link optional)

An Afternoon with Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin

Friday, September 19, 2025 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens, Sturm Family Auditorium

Co-hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens, the Crop Trust, CSU College of Agricultural Sciences, and WorldDenver, this event will bring together leaders and the public to reflect on the urgent need to safeguard our shared agricultural heritage. CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank will introduce Dr. Hawtin, who will then share his perspectives and join a panel discussion.

(Registration link optional)