Departments

Dstl has twelve operational Departments. From this page you can find details of each Department's capabilities and an indication of the type of educational disciplines found in each.

Air and Weapons Systems

This Department provides analysis of systems on platforms and weapons systems that use the aerial battlespace.

Biomedical Sciences

This Department provides MOD with the science base for the development of effective countermeasures for personnel against chemical and biological agents, blast and ballistics.

Detection

Out of focus image of a persons reflection looking at a graph

This Department conducts research and provides advice on the detection and decontamination of chemical and biological agents and explosives.

Environmental Sciences

This Department manages, monitors and controls environmental, radiological and chemical weapons demilitarisation hazards.

Information Management

This Department provides high quality and timely technical support, analysis, consultancy and research.

Joint Systems

4 images consisting of a tank, boat, aircraft and test-tube surrounding an image of a soldier sat behind a computer monitor

This Department provides Systems advice in support of MOD decision making on complex issues which cross environmental boundaries.

Land Battlespace Systems

2 soldiers approaching a tank in the desert

This Department provides analysis and advice on land systems, including vehicles, weapons and battlefield command and control systems.

Naval Systems

A battleship on the ocean with a helicopter flying over the top of it

This Department provides analysis and advice on all maritime systems.

Physical Sciences

Tank armour that has had a projectile fired through it

This Department provides protection science, dispersion physics, material science and armour physics expertise.

Policy and Capability Studies

This Department undertakes high-level operational analysis to support the Ministry of Defence and Government.

Security Sciences

This Department provides focus for counter-terrorism and support to frontline operations.

Sensors and Countermeasures

This Department researches and develops sensor and countermeasure technology for the Ministry of Defence by pushing the boundaries of science to protect lives at sea, on land and in the air.