SYNOPSIS OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH IN THE UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is an Executive Agency ofthe UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Dstl is ‘owned’ by the Minister for DefenceEquipment and Support. Dstl was formed in 2001 when 75 % of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agencywas reconstituted as a Government-owned company (QinetiQ) in preparation for privatization. Dstl retained within MoD to undertake defence S & T work that would beinappropriate for the private sector. The staff of the laboratory totals 3500 people (including100 military). Dstl operates as a Government Trading Fund (i.e. 100 % ‘contract’ funded), ownedby the Secretary of State for Defence. It undertakes work for almost every part of MoD and a number of other UK Governmentdepartments and agencies