Branch C202: DSTL

DSTL

This branch covers more than 1,000 members working in the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) – a trading fund agency of the Ministry of Defence.

Dstl manages the MOD's research budget and operates the ministry's own in-house R&D facilities. It covers a wide range of scientific and technical disciplines and, as well as conducting pure and applied research, it provides technical consultancy and direct support to military operations. The full scope of its activities is described on Dstl's own website.

Most Prospect members in Dstl are scientists and research engineers: but we represent the full range of staff – from safety officers through lab technicians and operational researchers to HR professionals.

The vast majority of members are based at one of three main locations: Fort Halstead (Kent), Porton Down (Wiltshire) and Portsdown West (Hampshire). At any one time, a small group of members will be deployed on military operations, providing direct support to the frontline.