Case studies: Real-life examples of government activity

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Dstl expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Forestry Commission staff with plant health roles share how they contribute to protecting woodlands, forests and green spaces.

Former soldier Derrick Lorimer explains how the Achieving your potential programme helped him develop as a would-be line manager.

Social Security Scotland's Ashley Jamieson explains how the ground-breaking line management development programme has impacted her career.

NPL spun out K3 Metrology to commercialise Metralis — a real-time, traceable measurement technology for advanced manufacturing — with support from the GOTT.

An evaluation of how NHS public information supports decision-making about screening tests in pregnancy

Asset maintenance is a core part of Sellafield’s work and relies on regular inspections to understand the condition of facilities.

Charli provides an insight into her training within the Government Legal Department (GLD)

An NCA trainee provides an insight into their training within the National Crime Agency (NCA)

Knowing how easily our platforms can be detected by radar is vital for keeping them safe and spotting any weaknesses.

Case study of Future RAN Competition (FRANC), which awarded ~£36m in R&D funding to support the UK's 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy.

Case study on the Open Networks Ecosystem competition, which awarded ~£80.5m in funding to projects supporting the UK's 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy

£1.5m Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme funded councils to trial PAS 191 smart columns, boosting connectivity and services like CCTV, sensors and Wi-Fi

Personal stories from people who have been caught up in tax avoidance schemes.

Ground Control's Wildfell project in Essex combines woodland creation and habitat banking across 116 hectares, testing funding routes for nature recovery.

Creating a capability to test UK defensive aid systems (DAS) in real-world flight conditions before integration onto frontline aircraft.

How the City of York Council embedded the national framework across all areas of children’s social care.

How Cheshire West and Chester Council is using the national framework when working with families.

Landowner restores woodland through the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), planting 23,015 native trees to reconnect fragmented habitats and offset carbon.

Dstl helps deliver the UK's contribution to the Five Eyes science and technology group, a long‑standing international partnership collaborating on defence and security research activities.

With DTEP funding, Filtronic has developed cutting-edge plastic packaging technology for high-power semiconductors, strengthening the UK's independence in critical defence technology.

Dstl develops an open source framework to standardise, test, and speed up innovation in sensor fusion and tracking for modern defence operations.

How science advice helped shape new research priorities, funding and pandemic preparedness for the future health and social care workforce.

A coordinated research effort shows how science advice and shared infrastructure can help turn new ideas into meaningful progress for people and communities.

ACE developed a data gathering and analysis proof of concept for more accurate air drops that lays the groundwork for predictive modelling. 

Key lessons from Warrington & Vale Royal College following the introduction of a dedicated Menopause Policy in 2022.

Steps taken by Nottingham College to support staff affected by endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions.

Dstl and Swansea University are using AI and ML to design metals that last much longer in extreme environments.

Safety, simplicity and support for new technology. Those were the goals of the new Workboat Code Edition 3 when it was launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2023.

How the UK is leading the global fight against deepfake threats.

Dstl’s partnership with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funds crucial defence research, including AI to boost intelligence analysis.

How social and behavioural science shaped guidance to support vulnerable people during emergencies.

How the School-based Nursery Capital Grant funding helped a primary school to repurpose an existing space to create a new preschool class.

How a Best Start Family Hub integrates early-years education alongside other wider family support.

As a member of a Science Advisory Committee (SAC) in DHSC, Sue Lanham-New has had lasting impact on public health through her advice and recommendations.

A scientist‑to‑civil‑service journey: Thanuja Galhena applies her advanced materials expertise to drive investment, build supply chains and help shape policy.

As an associate member of a Science Advisory Committee (SAC), Dr Fahad Ahmed contributes to national policy discussions early in his career.

Science advice to help explore blockchain technology's potential, building understanding and identifying the challenges of applying it to public services.

How evidence‑based innovation enabled faster case handling and strengthened the pursuit of justice.

Innovation remains central to the UK’s nuclear mission. Sellafield Ltd now uses four‑legged robots to accelerate decommissioning, improving safety and reducing human exposure to hazards.

BlueprintCo specialises in reviewing and delivering complex, high-risk policing capabilities to maximise operational impact.

Easol turns strategy and innovation into functional steps, enabling customers to plot a pathway to success.

NW Pro, a family company based in Bedfordshire, has transformed from designing, installing and maintaining security systems, to creating cutting-edge AI solutions for high-end security.

A novel laser detection system developed by Sentinel Photonics has evolved from a promising concept to commercial technology through DASA and Dstl support.

The Royal Navy's ASW Spearhead programme has rapidly enhanced anti-submarine warfare through Sonar 2087 and Merlin Mk2 helicopter system upgrades.

How DASA funding and Dstl support helped transform a deployable antenna concept into critical UK defence space capability.

Royal Navy's ASW Spearhead programme rapidly developed three autonomous testbed platforms – CETUS, PROTEUS, and SCYLLA – to enhance ASW capabilities.

With UKDI-DASA funding, Kognitiv Spark deployed a cyber secure augmented reality technology that enables remote expert support for military operations

OPSS scientists identified fire risks in tumble dryers and secured improved repairs, leading to a national programme to fix or replace affected machines.

Discover how a letter from the Council for Science and Technology led to the setting up of the Alan Turing Institute, helping Britain become a world leader in understanding and using data.