The Center for Defence Enterprise (CDE) in conjunction with the MOD’s new Materials and Structures Science and Technology Centre (MAST STC) is seeking applications that develop novel materials or use novel material approaches to deliver solutions to defence challenges across both short and long term timescales.

The objective of this call is to understand and develop materials technologies that will enable significant breakthroughs and therefore the call will not limit the scope of technologies or approaches of interest. However, the following general areas are of high interest to MOD:

•        Low Observable (LO) Materials

 With effectiveness across electromagnetic (radar, infra-red, electro-optic (EO), visible) and acoustic spectrums.

•        Functional Materials

Materials that combine a structural role with additional functionality.

•        Metallics and Ceramics

Including materials for protection, high temperature and lightweight applications.

•        Polymers and Composites

Emphasising lightweight damage tolerance at low cost.

•        Through Life Capability Management and In-Theatre Support

Covering all issues of materials in service, such as corrosion, fatigue, erosion, inspection.

Proposals should have the potential to deliver significant improvement over current capabilities and in order to achieve this MAST STC is willing to embrace high technical risk. All proposals must have a clear military application in order to be considered.

The competition will launch at a seminar in Birmingham on 6th September 2011. The event will provide the opportunity to question leading military and technical experts from the centre and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.