Dstl aims to supercharge science
Supercharging Science will take place on the 22 July 2021. (Photo: Government Office for Science)
Dstl chief executive, Doug Umbers, has written an open letter urging the best minds in the country to work with Dstl to combat future threats.
Doug Umbers, interim chief executive of Dstl, has released an open letter urging the best minds in industry, academia, engineering, science and technology to work with the UK agency to combat future threats.
Umbers began by highlighting the ‘crucial role’ science and technology had in developing a response to coronavirus ‘at breakneck speed’.
The response to coronavirus should be the rallying cry, inspiring experts to apply this level of determination and efficiency to future challenges.
These challenges range ‘from hostile states and terrorist groups to global challenges such as pandemics and climate change.’
Dstl will provide major resources to the UK science and technology community. It plans to spend 'in the region of an extra £1 billion [on R&D] over the next four years to tackle the threats we face beyond COVID-19'.
Umbers finished with a call to action, the supplier event Supercharging Science, where industry leaders, relevant organisations and motivated individuals can discover opportunities to get involved with Dstl’s plan for the future.
This open letter follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that the UK should strive to obtain ‘science superpower status’. This goal has been reinforced by the Integrated Review, which promised the country would spend 2.4% of its GDP on R&D by 2027.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
