Ministry of Defence (UK)

The British Ministry of Defence recognized the potential of nanoscience to allow for great advances in weaponry, both for use by British soldiers, and by weapons being used by allied countries.

One of the obvious advantages would be enabling the communications systems to be far smaller and more effective. The miniaturized nature of communications would mean that all soldiers could remain in [Page 427]touch at any moment without the need for carrying heavy equipment. This use of nanotechnology could affect not only communication between soldiers, but also between aircraft and ships. Equally important would be the development of remote-controlled missiles, bomb defusing devices, and anything where miniaturized devices would be useful. As planes, drones, and other machines require ever-increasing technological advances, scientists at the Ministry of Defence are eager to take advantage of this technology.

To allow for greater contact between the Ministry of Defence and scientists specializing in nanoscience, Professor Mark Welland, a leading nanoscience expert, especially in the field of nanofibrils and amyloid fibrils, was appointed on April 7, 2008, as Chief Scientific Advisor at the Ministry of Defence. A fellow of the Royal Society and Professor of Nanotechnology at the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, as well as head of the Nanoscience Group at the Nanoscience Centre in Cambridge, Welland has become instrumental in harnessing the advances in nanoscience for the Ministry of Defence. On his appointment, Professor Welland commented: “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to lead Science and Technology within the Ministry of Defence. As CSA I look forward to working with professional and dedicated staff from both the armed forces and civil service to ensure science contributes fully in supporting the role of the armed services.”

Taking over for Professor Sir Roy Anderson, Professor Welland's role was to continue to handle increasingly complex issues, including the rising fear of nanopollution. Since the 1990s, the Ministry of Defence has harbored fears that nanopollution could be used in combat, or could present problems if soldiers in the field faced these materials. The coverage of “Gulf War Syndrome” after the end of the 1991 combat in Iraq and Kuwait included the possibility that soldiers may have become ill from nanopollution. This has prompted the British Ministry of Defence to work with the Italian Ministry of Defence to design clothing that would be impermeable to small particles of depleted uranium and other dangerous chemicals.