Defence Science Expert Committee (DSEC)
DSEC is a group of up to 11 security-cleared individuals who give independent advice to the Ministry of Defence’s Chief Science Advisor (CSA) and senior Defence staff.
Terms of Reference
DSEC supports the CSA and senior MOD officials by providing advice that is:
- authoritative
- independent
- informed
- impartial
- timely
DSEC also makes recommendations to the department about the effective development and application of science and technology.
DSEC supports CSA to provide assurance that the MOD’s science and technology portfolio and supporting capabilities are appropriate and of sufficient quality to meet current and future needs.
Topics on which DSEC provides advice and assurance include:
- challenge and analysis of topics of importance
- advice on the balance, strength and appropriateness of the MOD’s investment in research, technology, training, and innovation
- support to strengthen MOD’s ability to identify and manage scientific risk across its business
- advice and support on MOD business where scientific principles are or should be applied
- advice and support to the MOD in identifying
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and scientific risk, emerging threats and opportunities
- alternative ways of achieving military capability outcomes
- emerging innovation opportunities
- critical technologies and capabilities
- access to the broadest possible external STEAM networks including international partners where appropriate
- independent assurance and peer review of the science and technology portfolio and underpinning capabilities
DSEC is supplemented by the Independent Science and Technology Advice (ISTA) register of experts, who can be called upon to assist the department when needed.
Committee meetings
The DSEC committee meets 3 times a year to discuss DSEC tasks, reviews and current activities, and to hear updates from across the defence science and technology portfolio and wider MOD.
To identify future DSEC priorities, scientific topics and challenge areas that would benefit from DSEC review and addition to the DSEC programme of work are presented.
Membership secretariat
The DSEC Secretariat are a small team within DSEC which facilitates tasking for DSEC and ISTA - managing work and generating outputs back into MOD.
They liaise with DSEC’s registered members and MOD customers to manage these relationships.