Dr Ian McClements, Area Manager for STRI in Scotland and Ireland is to speak at the next MAP Live, which takes place at LK Galaxy in Falkirk on July 3, 2013
Ian joined the STRI in 1991 to co-ordinate a Sports Council funded research project on the playing quality characteristics of Rugby and natural turf hockey pitches. In 1993, Ian became the STRI's Regional Agronomist for Ireland based in Co. Down.
As well as covering a wide range of golf courses and sports facilities, he also undertakes agronomy work on behalf of the R&A. He is particularly interested in golf links maintenance issues. Other work has taken him to the USA.
In addition to his agronomy work Ian has been involved in a number of golf course development projects and winter games pitch improvement schemes. He has also written articles for Greenkeeper International, Greenside and the STRI's International Turf grass Bulletin as well as lecturing in both Ireland and the UK.
Ian is a 1988 graduate of Queens University, Belfast with a degree in Agricultural Botany and obtained his PhD in 1991. Ian is married with three children, Cameron, Sara and Rachel. In addition to his interest in golf, he is actively involved in Port down Boat Club where he coaches junior crews to national level.
He has recently returned from advising on the World Cup pitches in Brazil that will take place in 2014.
Clare Johnson, Director of MAP Live Ltd, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ian to MAP Live, and appreciate the support that both the STRI and so many other key stakeholders in our industry are giving the initiative. With the launch of the MAP Live Innovation Awards, winners to be announced at the end of the 2014 series, the cross-industry collaboration enters its next phase."
