About us
After a review of Non-Departmental Public Bodies, the Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) was reclassified from an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body to an Expert Committee in October 2016.The replacement body, known as the Defence Science Expert Committee (DSEC) will continue to provide science and technology advice across MOD.
The Defence Scientific Advisory Council closed in October 2016
Who we are
We are an independent advisory council with a chairman, vice chairman and 8 independent council members.
After a review of Non-Departmental Public Bodies, the Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) was reclassified from an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body to an Expert Committee in October 2016.The replacement body, known as the Defence Science Expert Committee (DSEC) will continue to provide science and technology advice across MOD.
Responsibilities
We are responsible for providing advice on the following:
- challenge and logical analysis of topics of importance to the Ministry of Defence (MOD)
- advice on the balance, strength and appropriateness of the MOD’s investment in research and development and the department’s wider science, technology, engineering, analysis and mathematics (STEAM) activities
- support to strengthen MOD’s ability to identify and manage risk across its business
- advice and support on MOD business including broad strategic issues, priorities and policy where scientific principles are or should be applied.
- advice and support to the MOD in identifying:
- STEAM risk, emerging threats and opportunities
- alternative ways of achieving military capability benefit
- emerging innovation opportunities, critical research, technologies and capabilities
- access to extensive external STEAM networks including international partners where appropriate
Priorities
Our priorities change with the demands of Ministry of Defence (MOD) and defence issues.
We aim to give the best available independent advice on how well projects were meeting military needs in:
- the direction, content and exploitation of research
- the best use of STEAM resources within the MOD
- operational and strategic issues
- external developments, opportunities and threats