Welcome to IOG Research & Funding
The 2012 Fund was renamed in 2006 (previously the 2000 fund) with the intention of raising the profile of the industry through research and development and to offer bursaries to students who want to enter this profession. This was given added emphasis with the launch of the Alex R Millar Bursary Fund announced at the IOG Conference and Awards Night in October 2009. This is in memory of our late chairman who's passion was this industry and who's goal in life was to assist younger people progress their careers in Groundsmanship.
The IOG 2012 Fund has successfully provided financial support to enable a number of major research projects including comprehensive trials into the use of biostimulants on football pitches; the effects of the use of rubber crumb technology on sports turf root zones; trials on the use of nitrogen fertilisers on football pitches; a study into flood damaged pitches; the aeration of fine turf areas; and future rainwater management for sustainable outdoor sport surfaces.
Details of some of the research projects supported by the IOG 2012 Fund can be reviewed in the Projects section.
The 2012 Fund is well established with an authoritative advisory panel and financial input from various areas of the industry:
- Martin Ford MSc, Fund Chairman and ECB Fine Turf Manager
- Geoff Webb, IOG Chief Executive
- Ian Wall, Bank of England and IOG National Treasurer
- Fred Hammond, Brighton College and IOG Director
- Neil Baker, IOG Director
- Dr Paul Fleming, Lougborough University
- Alex Vickers, Turftrax
- Bruce Cruse, ECB
- Colin Young, SAPCA
- Dr Gordon McKillop, STRI
- Dr Iain James, Cranfield University
We welcome applications from organisations and individuals in the grounds management, greenkeeping, landscaping, horticulture and amenity management industries for educational, research and benevolent purposes.
