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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence through what methods DSTL scientists acquire hands-on research expertise in the (a) science and technology projects and (b) equipment procurement areas of the technical projects upon which they are required to advise. [219031] Mr. Ingram: The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Dstl, has a range of approaches to ensure that its scientists and engineers acquire and retain the knowledge and expertise required to discharge its roles within the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Hands-on practical research expertise is only one element, and Dstl is tasked to undertake part of the MOD's Research Building Block itself in a range of systems areas and a sub-set of sensitive defence technologies. In addition, Dstl undertakes the knowledge integration role for the Research customers which requires it to work closely with the other organisations in industry and academia engaged in hands-on research. Dstl encourages its staff to undertake research based MSc and PhD activities as well as having a commitment to their continuous professional development through membership of the appropriate professional institutes. To strengthen engagement in underlying technical areas where Dstl has limited hands-on work of its own, it has set up Co-operative Research Centres with academia to facilitate the exchange of staff and resources between Dstl and partner Universities. This allows Dstl staff to work within the partner University alongside external researchers who are engaged in MOD funded work, for example through the Joint Grant Scheme. Dstl has also entered into arrangements with industry to encourage staff secondment and established opportunities for staff interchange with other national and international laboratories. Dstl staff are also involved in oversight of the MOD Defence Technology Centres which are formal collaborative arrangements between industry and academic experts in particular technologies. These kinds of arrangement enable Dstl scientists to develop and extend their knowledge networks and improve the quality and context of its advice.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c1734-5W;432 c1729-30W; 219031

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Procurement Training Technology Research Scientists Dstl

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk