He spent almost 30 years working in the lubricants business for Shell Research where he had various roles, including being the Global Technology Manager for Shell's Lubrication Science team from 2006 to 2012. His research mainly focussed on energy efficient lubricants, and he also managed Shell's various University research links in tribology (the science of friction and wear) from the mid 1990's to 2020, working closely with various UK, US and Chinese Universities. 

His tribology research has resulted in over 70 papers in peer reviewed scientific journals. Ian has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Central Lancashire since 2020, mainly working on improved models for mixed/boundary friction, and also investigating realistic low carbon transport options for heavy duty vehicles. 

Ian is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and also of the STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). He received the Tribology Silver Medal from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2020.