Cold War, Hot Science: Applied Research in Britain's Defence Laboratories, 1945-1990

Cold War, Hot Science presents an authoritative history of post-war British defense research as related to the establishments that, at the time of writing and first publication, formed part of the Defense Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). DERA included such well-known centers as the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Famborough, the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment at Malvern, and the Chemical and Biological Defense Establishment at Porton Down. Collectively these have conducted a very high proportion of all scientific research in Britain since the WWII. Study of these vast, but traditionally secretive, institutions is vital to understanding science in post-war Britain. In addition to research on new weapons, the establishments have maintained high levels of policy-relevant expertise, providing advice to government and even carried out some manufacturing. Until now their contribution has been little understood. This is the first systematic treatment of their history, putting the applied science of the military sector in its technological, military and social context. This book offers a pioneering synthesis, studying science and conventional arms with a focus upon research rather than all aspects of military technology.