Saundersfoot resident Professor Noni Franklin-Tong (pictured) has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), one of the most prestigious accolades in science.

The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the world’s oldest and one of the most important scientific societies.

Her election recognizes her scientific research into plant pollination conducted over the past 30 years at the University of Birmingham.

Studying the common Field Poppy, Noni has identified the remarkably complex cellular recognition mechanism that a poppy uses to prevent self-pollination but allow cross-pollination.

This prevents inbreeding, therefore ensuring the production of high-quality seed that will produce a new generation of healthy and vigorous plants.

Her discoveries have potential for application by plant breeders for the improvement of various crop species. Noni is now semi-retired, having moved to Saundersfoot six years ago.

She sees her election to this eminent group of world-renowned scientists as not only a personal honour but as a step towards greater recognition of the contribution of women to science research and hopes it will encourage others to follow this career path.