Generation After Next Simulation / Simulation and Synthetic Environments (SSE) Task 26 – Update #1

The MOD Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy, the S&T Planning Framework and the Integrated Review have placed a renewed interest in future S&T, and in particular Generation After Next technologies. Dstl have formed Exploration Division (X Div) to understand and define the future, and identify disruptive technologies into the S&T portfolio. Dstl is tasked with stewarding Simulation capabilities – with responsibility for planning, management and overseeing these S&T capabilities, and defining future research requirements.

Dstl have tasked Serapis Lot 5 to conduct a study, named GenerationAfterNext (GAN) Simulation / SSE 26, to engage with industry to develop GAN concepts, and undertake underpinning research to inform the future S&T research programme on simulation. In parallel, another study, SSE 28 Innovation Panel, is conducting deep dives into the thematic areas explored in SSE 26. Teams to deliver these tasks have already been selected via a competitive process, supported by TechUK.

The SSE 26 task early analysis activity is now underway, and this email is intended to provide an update to techUK on progress, plus communicate opportunities for future engagement. GAN simulation / SSE 26 study is being delivered by an industry core team including Thales UK, NSC, Cordillera Applications Group and Microsoft.

Definition of GAN

The working definition of GAN, as outlined by the MOD Chief Scientific Advisor, Dame Angela McLean is as follows:

“Things you cannot buy today – capabilities we know we need, but that require basic science and technology before they come available. This does not imply any particular timeline – Generation After Next could be Christmas!”

Dame Angela McLean’s address to the DSEI Exhibition, ‘The Future of Defence Science & Technology’ delivered with Acting Dstl CEO Doug Umbers can be viewed on YouTube and provides further background and context to the future Defence S&T programme.

Opportunities to Engage

The Dstl/industry team delivering the task are keen that the outputs of the study reflect the views of the supply chain and provide a route to suggest ideas that could form part of future simulation S&T activity.  Although further funding for attendance or participation in the study will not be provided, a number of engagement opportunities are planned, which provide the opportunity to shape Dstl’s future research programme:

1. A one-hour Teams Meeting on 29 October 21 which will provide the opportunity to find out more about the Task, its initial focus areas and ways to engage. If you wish to participate in this, please submit a return to the email [email protected] entitled ‘SSE 26 – GAN - Briefing’ with email contact details of your proposed attendees.
2. An all day workshop on 18 November 21, to be held in the South East of England, to contribute to the findings. A virtual dial in option will also be provided to contribute to this remotely.
3. Further workshops will be scheduled in the period January-March 2022 to continue engagement and outbrief the findings.

In addition to these opportunities, the GenAfterNext email channel is open for any inputs or suggestions you wish to make to the team. Please note the definition of GAN above, and its focus on technologies and systems that are not currently available to purchase. Any inputs can be emailed to the team inbox at [email protected]  

Any correspondence will be treated in confidence and shared within the Dstl and industry core team only. Emails should be headed ‘SSE 26 – GAN – Information Submission’.

Questions

Any further questions on the task can be routed through [email protected]