Andrew McDougall joins Pest Research Hub team
Cheshire-based International Pheromone Systems has strengthened its research capabilities with the appointment of a Laboratory Coordinator.
Andrew McDougall joins International Pheromone Systems as Laboratory Coordinator for the new Pest Research Hub at the company’s headquarters in Neston.
Andrew has more than 30 years’ experience in R&D and analysis gained at companies such as Shell Global Solutions and Caleb Brett Intertek. Andy’s first job was at Food Industries Ltd where he worked alongside Dave Hartley, founder of International Pheromone Systems, before moving to the Meat and Savoury R&D department.
During his career Andrew has also been involved in the exciting world of F1 where he played an active role in the formulation and testing of new F1 fuels. Andrew was also an integral part of the Shell F1 trackside team and attended many F1 races as a technical partner to Ferrari.
The Pest Research Hub is a new and exciting purpose-built laboratory space developed by International Pheromone Systems to work with biotech companies, biocide or pesticide manufacturers and research groups. Individuals who are developing technologies to control pests, or simply want to understand them better, can also use the facility.
The Pest Research Hub offers specialised technical services such as gas chromatography analysis equipment, a temperature-controlled test environment, an insectory and various testing systems. The lab will also facilitate development of new pheromone formulations, traps and lures and includes equipment to carry out wind tunnel studies of insect behaviour.
Andrew said: “I feel extremely privileged to have been accepted within the very friendly environment of the International Pheromone Systems family and to be able to contribute to the often ground-breaking work being done by the team. The company is at the forefront of pheromone technology which is extremely important in today’s world where pest control is vital for food crop farming and ultimately the well-being of the world.”
IPS Managing Director Graeme Hartley said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the IPS team at a very exciting time for the company.
“The Pest Research Hub is a much-needed facility and will be an important asset for the industry. Having Andrew working there will ensure that we can offer a first-class service to all our customers, partners and stakeholders.”
International Pheromone Systems offers a nature-based approach and specialist knowledge for natural and safe solutions to monitor and manage pests in agricultural and domestic environments.
The company’s highly skilled entomologists find solutions from nature itself. Together with universities, scientific partners and growers, the International Pheromone Systems team works to find natural solutions to help reduce pesticide use and support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture, horticulture and forestry businesses.
A healthier, safer and more productive environment is achieved by using the natural behaviour of pests and finding the right pheromone combination and trapping solution specific to a particular species.
