A U.K. scientist has won a prestigious award for her research into pea genetics that promises to benefit agriculture around Europe. 

Dr. Claire Domoney, head of the metabolic biology department of at the John Innes Centre, has been honored with the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s Research Medal.

Domoney’s group studied how protein quality and associated seed traits in pea - the most widely grown legume in Europe - are controlled and how they could be altered for a variety of end-users.

The balance of proteins determines the nutritional value of legume seeds for feed, food as well as more specific contributions for human health.

According to the John Innes Centre, this research work had a 'considerable impact on industry' as studies in pea have helped breeders and growers to understand the genetic control of important traits including sugar, starch and protein concentration in seeds, as well as how visual characteristics such as color are regulated.

New gene variants are now available to control specific traits and improve breeding programs.

"It is a great honour indeed to be awarded the Royal Agricultural Society of England Research Medal 2015," Domoney says in a release.

"I am delighted to receive this award, which acknowledges the relevance of the research carried out at JIC on legume crops and my engagement with the stakeholder community

"I thank all those who work with me within research networks to ensure knowledge transfer and the translation of research outcomes."

Director of the John Innes Centre, professor Dale Saunders, added that Domoney’s research on pea genetics had great potential for improving agriculture across Europe.

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