Skip to main content

Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser

The Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (OCSA) is the organisational home of the Chief Scientific Adviser in the Ministry of Defence.

Our mission

Leading Defence to strategic advantage through science and technology.

What we do

We provide strategic direction, leadership and expert scientific advice to help Defence respond to current challenges and prepare for emerging technologies.

The Chief Scientific Adviser leads the Science Function and the Science Profession across Defence.

OCSA supports this work by bringing together scientific advice, strategy and corporate leadership within one organisation.

We work across Defence to provide expert advice, shape science and technology policy, and support the delivery of strategic priorities.

Our teams

OCSA is made up of 3 main teams:

  • Policy and Strategy – sets strategic direction and policy on emerging technologies and science and technology systems, activities, relationships and capabilities.
  • Scientific Advice – provides scientific assurance and trusted advice across Defence activity.
  • Chief of Staff – drives coherence across OCSA, manages annual cycles and cross-cutting business, and provides corporate support.

OCSA is based across several locations in the United Kingdom and brings together a range of scientific, policy and corporate expertise in support of Defence.

Address

Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser
Ministry of Defence
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HB

Contact details

DOS-OCSA-Secretariat@mod.gov.uk