The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has strengthened its strategic collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to accelerate high-priority research into artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and future computing.
This partnership is designed to ensure a robust pipeline of highly qualified personnel and cutting-edge technologies for the UK’s defence and national security sectors. A central component of this effort is the co-investment in several schemes, including MOD centres for doctoral training, AI and Quantum hubs, and specific doctoral landscape awards aimed at addressing critical skills gaps within the defence supply chain.
A primary outcome of this partnership is the launch of the AI Intelligence Triage and Acquisition Support for Human-centred Analysis (AiTASHA) programme. This project is a two-year, £1.25 million initiative led by the Alan Turing Institute in collaboration with the universities of Warwick, Southampton, Heriot-Watt, and Cardiff. AiTASHA focuses on the development of explainable and defensible AI systems that complement the work of intelligence analysts rather than replacing it. By automating the prioritisation of complex, uncertain data sets and recommending specific areas for further intelligence collection, the system is intended to improve the speed and confidence of national security assessments under high-pressure conditions.
The project emerged from an EPSRC-organised “Sandpit” event, an intensive research-funding mechanism involving 60 experts from across academia, Dstl, and other government bodies. This week-long innovation workshop represented over 1,500 hours of collaborative research, focusing on practical AI applications for decision-making in high-consequence environments. For businesses in the defence sector, this mechanism represents a significant shift toward integrated, multidisciplinary development, combining deep learning and statistics with human factors and AI ethics to meet rigorous MoD standards.
The ongoing collaboration between Dstl and EPSRC provides a clear framework for industry and academic partners to engage directly with government scientists and problem-owners. Beyond immediate projects like AiTASHA, the partnership’s focus on Future Compute and Quantum hubs signals long-term procurement trends in the digitisation of the battlespace. Sub-contractors and technology firms should note the emphasis on “human-centred” analysis, as future MoD requirements will likely prioritise systems that integrate seamlessly with human decision-makers. As Dstl continues to utilise these intensive funding models, the integration of diverse expertise remains a prerequisite for securing high-value research and development contracts within the UK’s evolving defence technology ecosystem.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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