Defence Science and Technology Laboratory: Difference between revisions

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The '''Defence Science and Technology Laboratory''' ('''Dstl''') is an [[executive agency]] of the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] of the United Kingdom. Its stated purpose is "to maximise the impact of science and technology for the defence and security of the UK".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dstl.gov.uk/aboutus |title=About us |publisher=Dstl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021183240/https://www.dstl.gov.uk/aboutus |archive-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=16 February 2014}}</ref> The agency is headed by Paul Hollinshead as its Chiefchief Executiveexecutive,<ref>{{cite web |date=26 April 2022 |title=Dr Paul Hollinshead, MBA, OBE |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/people/paul-hollinshead |access-date=26 April 2022 |publisher=UK Government}}</ref> with the board being chaired by Adrian Belton.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dstl: membership|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory/about/membership|access-date=2020-11-10|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}</ref> Ministerial responsibility lies with the [[Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry]].

==History==

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Dstl absorbed the Home Office's Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) in April 2018,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=24 April 2018|title=Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) becomes part of Dstl|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/centre-for-applied-science-and-technology-cast-becomes-part-of-dstl|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-24|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424162916/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/centre-for-applied-science-and-technology-cast-becomes-part-of-dstl |archive-date=24 April 2018 }}</ref> taking on CAST's role<ref>{{cite book |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/530164/intro-to-cast-june2016.pdf |title=Home Office Science: Centre for Applied Science and Technology: An Introduction |publisher=Home Office |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-78655-083-5 |___location=United Kingdom |pages=3–4}}</ref> to apply science and technology to support the Home Office's operations and frontline delivery, provide evidence to support policy, and perform certain regulatory functions.

Dstl was a [[trading fund]] of the MOD from its formation until 2016, when it became an [[executive agency]] of the MOD.{{cn|date=September 2022}}

==Organisation==

Most of Dstl's funding comes from the MOD, while a small portion comes from other government departments and commercial sources. In 2016/17, 91% of Dstl's £587m587 million income came from the MOD.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/621570/20170622-Dstl_ARAC_2016-17_FINAL_v1_0-O_WEB-OPTIMISED.pdf |title=Defence Science and Technology Laboratory annual report and accounts 2016 to 2017 |access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>

In April 2015, Dstl completed a major reorganisation, merging twelve operating departments into five divisions. The motivation behind this change was to enable more coherent and productive delivery to customers and simplify access routes for suppliers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444625/20150622-Dstl_ARAC_2014-15_FINAL_v1_1-O_PRINT-READY.pdf |title=Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15 |date=22 June 2015 |last=Defence Science and Technology Laboratory }}</ref>

=== Leadership ===

* [[Martin Earwicker]] (2001–06): Chiefchief Executiveexecutive from its creation in 2001, until he left in 2006 for the [[Science Museum, London|Science Museum]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Wanted: gadget wizard to replace the real life Q |url=https://www.thetimes.co.ukcom/article/wanted-gadget-wizard-to-replace-the-real-life-q-8zm9v63rgt2 |access-date=10 September 2020 |work=[[The Times]] |date=16 July 2006}}</ref>

* [[Frances Saunders (scientist)|Frances Saunders]] (2006–11): took over as acting Chiefchief Executiveexecutive in May 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmdfence/84/6112802.htm |title=House of Commons – Defence – Minutes of Evidence |year=2011 |work=parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829024416/http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmdfence/84/6112802.htm|archive-date=29 August 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 June 2011}}</ref> and was appointed as Chiefchief Executiveexecutive in August 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dstl.gov.uk/downloads/15-08-07.pdf |title=Press release: Heading up Defence Science – New Chief Executive appointed at Dstl |date=16 August 2007 |website=dstl.gov.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928062654/http://www.dstl.gov.uk/downloads/15-08-07.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2007/nov/20/highereducationprofile.academicexperts |title=Interview: Frances Saunders &#124; Education &#124; The Guardian |last=Gilbert |first=Natasha |date=20 November 2007 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=12 June 2011 |___location=London |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878}}</ref> On 29 June 2011, Saunders announced to staff that her post had been advertised and that she would not be applying.<ref>Global email to all staff dated 29/6/11</ref>

* [[Jonathan Lyle]] (2012–17): formerly Director of the Programme Office at Dstl, placed into an acting role and was appointed in March 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jonathan-lyle-named-as-new-dstl-chief-executive |title=Jonathan Lyle named as new Dstl Chief Executive |access-date=16 February 2014 |publisher=[[Government of the United Kingdom|GOV.UK]]}}</ref>

* David Marsh: acting Chiefchief Executiveexecutive from September 2017 to January 2018.<ref name=":0" />

* Gary Aitkenhead<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/people/gary-aitkenhead |title=Gary Aitkenhead – GOV.UK |website=www.gov.uk |access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> (2018–2021).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=30 November 2017|title=Defence Science and Technology Laboratory appoints new Chief Executive|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory-appoints-new-chief-executive|access-date=8 December 2017|website=GOV.UK}}</ref>

* Doug Umbers: interim Chiefchief Executiveexecutive from April 2021 to February 2022.

* Paul Hollinshead (2022 - 2022–)

==Operations==

* [[File:Portsdown HillWest DSTL.jpg|right|thumb|Portsdown West]], Hampshire

Dstl carries out a broad range of work from high-level analysis to support Ministry of Defence policy and procurement decisions, to technical research in defence areas such as [[healthcare science|biomedical science]] and [[electronics]], alongside operational work such as [[forensic science|forensic analysis]] of [[explosive material|explosives]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1557106/Weve-never-seen-a-bomb-like-217-devices.html |title='We've never seen a bomb like 21/7 devices' |first=Duncan |last=Gardham |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=11 July 2007 |___location=London |issn=0307-1235 |oclc=49632006 |access-date=16 February 2014}}</ref> and providing paid volunteer scientists to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide rapid scientific advice to British forces. It has done work for around 40 government departments and agencies including the [[Home Office]] and [[Department for Transport]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dstl.gov.uk/whoweworkwith |title=Who we work with |website=Dstl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021202026/https://www.dstl.gov.uk/whoweworkwith |archive-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It undertakes research with both industry and academia to achieve its role.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dstl.gov.uk/industry |title=Industry |website=Dstl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021211618/https://www.dstl.gov.uk/industry |archive-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Following a review and consultation process initiated by MOD's Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA), it became responsible for the formulation and commission of MOD's non-nuclear research programme from 1 April 2010, under the responsibility of the Dstl Programme Office.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmselect/cmdfence/writev/761/nns45.htm |title=The Strategic Defence and Security Review and The National Security Strategy |work=publications.parliament.uk |year=2011 |access-date=12 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=19 March 2010 |title=Dstl to become the key focus of science and technology within MOD |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/DstlToBecomeTheKeyFocusOfScienceAndTechnologyWithinMod.htm |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/DstlToBecomeTheKeyFocusOfScienceAndTechnologyWithinMod.htm |archive-date=26 October 2012 |access-date=16 February 2014}}</ref> Within the Programme Office were 16 domains<ref>[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121106233608/http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/ukspaceagency/docs/space%20science/aurora/knowledge-exchange-april-2011/gibson-dstl-presentation.pdf National Archives (UK)]</ref> with some established as Science and Technology Centres, including Armour and Protection, Cyber and Influence, Counter Terrorism, and CBR (Chemical, Biological and Radiological).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dstl.gov.uk/scienceandtechnologycentres|title=Science and Technology Centres {{!}} dstl {{!}} Defence Science and Technology Laboratory|website=dstl.gov.uk|publisher=Ministry of Defence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222100139/https://www.dstl.gov.uk/scienceandtechnologycentres|archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> These centres fund research via the Centre for Defence Enterprise,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.science.mod.uk/engagement/enterprise.aspx |title=Centre for Defence Enterprise |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |access-date=16 February 2014}}</ref> also part of the Programme Office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.science.mod.uk/engagement/dstl.aspx |title=The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |access-date=16 February 2014}}</ref>

A subsequent MOD CSA-led review in 2015 into MOD's science and technology capability recommended that the commissioning of science and technology should be independent of the delivery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/458623/20150414-MOD_Science_Capability_Review_Executive_Summary.pdf|title=A review of MOD's science and technology capability (Executive summary)}}</ref> Following this, the commissioning role was moved to [[Defence Science and Technology]] (DST) within MOD Head Office, with Dstl focusing on delivery.{{cn|date=September 2022}}

Within the [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015]] was a proposal to create "a government-backed service designed to help small and medium-sized businesses bring new ideas to market more quickly".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|title=National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015: A Secure and Prosperous United Kingdom|date=November 2015|publisher=HM Government|isbn=9781474125963}}</ref> In 2016, it was announced by Defence Secretary [[Michael Fallon]] that this 'Defence and Security Accelerator'<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-and-security-accelerator|title=Defence and Security Accelerator – GOV.UK|website=www.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> would have access to an £800m innovation fund and build on the 'Centre for Defence Enterprise' model, operating within Dstl.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defence-innovation-initiative|title=Defence Innovation Initiative – Speeches|website=www.gov.uk|date=16 September 2016 |access-date=20 September 2016}}</ref>

In 2017, Dstl began a five-year programme of innovation in space science.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/threetwo-one-blast-off-dstl-launches-50-million-space-programme|title=Three...two…one…blast off! Dstl launches £50 million Space Programme|date=4 October 2017|website=GOV.UK|language=en|access-date=7 February 2018}}</ref> In 2019, Dstl opened a new satellite ground control station at Portsdown West to support future space research.<ref name=raf-20190718>{{cite news |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/defence-secretary-outlines-future-space-programme/ |title=Defence Secretary outlines future space programme |publisher=Royal Air Force |date=18 July 2019 |access-date=6 March 2021}}</ref>

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===R-Cloud===

Research Cloud (or R-Cloud) is the Dstl's [[supply chain]] marketplace for science and technology research.<ref>Dstl, [https://rcloud.dstl.gov.uk/ Access R-Cloud (Version 3.0)], accessed 21 May 2021</ref> Version 4 went live on 1 December 2020.<ref>Dstl, [https://rcloud-v4.dstl.gov.uk/ Access R-Cloud (Version 4.0)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117124615/https://rcloud-v4.dstl.gov.uk/ |date=17 January 2021 }}, accessed 21 May 2021</ref> R-Cloud frameworks cover eight "capability areas":

* Command, Control, Communication and Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR);

* Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN);

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* Integrated [[Survivability]] (IS);

* Platform Systems (PS);

* Weapons.<ref>Government Online, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20210521075849/http://www.government-online.net/r-cloud-framework-renewal-ministry-of-defence/ R-Cloud Framework Renewal – Ministry of Defence]}}, published 6 February 2017, accessed 21 May 2021</ref>

==Locations==

Current sites include:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory/about |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

Current sites include:

* [[Alverstoke]], Hampshire (as a tenant of the [[Institute of Naval Medicine]])

*Headquarters {{ndash}} [[Porton Down]], Wiltshire (headquarters)

* [[Fort Halstead]], Kent (departure planned since 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Halstead's Dstl research laboratory to close |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-13814693 |website=BBC News: Kent |date=17 June 2011 |access-date=24 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Building state-of-the-art facilities at Dstl|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/building-state-of-the-art-facilities-at-dstl|website=GOV.UK|access-date=7 February 2018|date=2 March 2015}}</ref> expected to be complete in 2022)<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Fort Halstead project |url=https://www.jtp.co.uk/projects/fort-halstead |website=JTP |date= |access-date=24 December 2021}}</ref>

*Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Portsdown West {{ndash}} [[Portsdown Hill|Portsdown West]], Hampshire

* [[Harwell Science and Innovation Campus]], Oxfordshire

*Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Alverstoke {{ndash}}[[Alverstoke]], Hampshire (as a tenant of the [[Institute of Naval Medicine]], Gosport)

* [[Porton Down]], Wiltshire (headquarters)

*Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Newcastle {{ndash}} National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), Newcastle<ref>{{Cite web |title=Newcastle Helix |url=https://newcastlehelix.com/stories/new-defence-science-and-technology-laboratory-hub-locating-to-helix |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=newcastlehelix.com}}</ref>

* [[Portsdown Hill|Portsdown West]], Hampshire

The former CAST sites at [[Langhurst|Langhurst, West Sussex]] and [[Sandridge]], Hertfordshire were closed around 2020 after the 2018 merger of CAST into Dstl.<ref name=":1" />

Sections of {{convert|150-millimetre|mm|in|abbr=in|adj=mid|-thick (5.9&nbsp;in)}} [[Low-background steel|pre-atomic steel]] plate uncontaminated with [[radionuclide]]s, recovered from [[HMS Vanguard (23)|HMS ''Vanguard'']], were used for the shielding of the [[Whole Body Counter|whole body monitor]] at the Radiobiological Research Laboratory (now Dstl) at [[Alverstoke]], [[Gosport]], Hampshire.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Cowling|first=Giles|title=From Land, Sea and Air|url=http://www.defencemanagement.com/article.asp?id=200&content_name=National%20Security%20and%20Resilience&article=5132|url-status=dead|journal=Defence Management Journal|volume=31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225191422/http://www.defencemanagement.com/article.asp?id=200&content_name=National%20Security%20and%20Resilience&article=5132|archive-date=25 February 2012}}</ref>

== Spin-offs ==

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==See also==

* [[The Technical Cooperation Program]] (TTCP) – an international defence science and technology collaboration between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

* [[DARPA]] – US Defence Agency responsible for the development of new technology for the [[United States Armed Forces|US military]].

* [[Defence Science and Technology Organisation]] – a branch of the Australian Department of Defence that researches and develops technologies for the Australian defence industry.

* [[Qinetiq]] – the part of Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) privatised in June 2001, with the remainder of DERA renamed Dstl.

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[[Category:Organisations based in Wiltshire]]

[[Category:Science and technology in Wiltshire]]

[[Category:Trading funds of the United Kingdom government]]

[[Category:2001 establishments in the United Kingdom]]