The Centre of Defence Enterprise (CDE) is hosting a seminar on “Lightweight Personal Protection" from 12:30 on 25 June 2009 at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.

The CDE is the Ministry of Defence's new gateway for UK science and technology industry, academia and innovators to help ensure that the Armed Forces have access to the best equipment, science and technology, now and in the future. The Centre provides a quick first response to ideas with a range of advice, assistance and research funding.

The physical burden on our dismounted soldiers is significant and innovative solutions are sought to reduce it dramatically. Personal protection (including body armour and helmets) is a major contributing factor to the load carried by our troops. At this seminar the MOD will announce details of a call for proposals to seek novel lightweight solutions whilst maintaining a high level of physical protection. While reducing weight is the prime objective, solutions that significantly reduce the burden by reducing heat stress or improving ergonomic factors such as load distribution, flexibility and reduced bulk, are encouraged.

This is part of the ‘Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier Capability Vision (CV)’ (see the Defence Technology Plan on the MOD Science website for more details on the wider CV programme).

At this briefing MOD will outline the problems faced by our dismounted soldiers and challenge attendees to develop innovative solutions.

Contracts will be awarded to programmes that seek to demonstrate the proof of principle of innovative technologies, and innovative applications of technology, that could significantly reduce system burden. Following the seminar on 25 June 2009, proposals for these short and focussed demonstrations need to be submitted to CDE by 6 August 2009. Successful proposals will receive a contract award within a few weeks leading to demonstration of their proof of principle within 3-4 months after contract award. This subject covers a wide range of topics across lightweight personal protection platforms and will be of interest to a large spectrum of SMEs, academia and industries. There will also be the opportunity to learn more about the Centre for Defence Enterprise and the Ministry of Defence.

A networking lunch will be available between 12:30 and 13:30 and there will also be an opportunity to learn about the Centre for Defence Enterprise and the Ministry of Defence. You must register for each seminar separately and spaces are strictly limited. Early application is advised via the CDE website. Confirmation of attendance along with joining instructions and directions will be sent once registration has closed. MoD does not charge for attendance at CDE seminars.