The challenges for the future of the golf and the larger turfgrass industry are many and diverse. Climate change is transforming abiotic stress patterns, pest life cycles, and basic turfgrass selection and management. Strong restrictions on the use of chemicals and fertilizers, and increasing pressure on natural resources (notably water, energy and land) are expected. Development is accelerating the loss of ecosystem services and biodiversity. All this calls for more research and innovation for a sustainable future.
The International Turfgrass Research Initiative (ITRI) is a cooperative effort by STERF, The R&A, and USGA to fund globally relevant research that will advance scientific knowledge and turfgrass management. Projects will be evaluated and funded through a two-step process beginning with pre-proposals. The focus is on applied research, and proposals that advance basic research, such as breeding or molecular biology, will not be considered. Approximately 10 full proposals will be invited for consideration for funding from which two to three proposals are likely to be selected.
To Submit a Proposal:
1. Review the 2024 Request for Proposals and Guidelines.
2. For more information, applicants may review the ITRI Framework Paper.
3. Follow the “Apply” button to the right to complete the application form and upload a proposal package (beginning June 14, 2024).