On 15–16 July 2026, DIRDI’s National Strategic Research Group (NSRG) co hosted The “Future Science and Technology: The Ten–Fifteen Year Big Bets” conference with Dr Rob Johnson of the Changing Character of War Centre at the University of Oxford.
The event brought together leading thinkers to explore emerging global trends in science and technology and how these developments may shape long term strategy for organisations operating in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Panels examined the future of energy generation, use and storage; cybersecurity and national infrastructure; advanced materials; space, aerospace, and hypersonic technologies; artificial intelligence; robotics; and bioengineering.
Human beings, our role, and the impact of scientific advancements became a central theme across multiple panels and became surprisingly theological at times. A particularly powerful quote from the day was:
“Machines don’t have any notion of trust… nor of dignity”.
Discussions ranged from the impact of technology on our lives to the argument that, no matter how far we advance into a post-quantum and AI-driven world, the weakest link will always be human. We also explored questions such as: are we making things too complicated for people in their daily lives with our desire to be technologically forward? Why must a toothbrush be Bluetooth connected or a TV be able to access Twitter?
The conference also featured a keynote address from General David H. Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), who delivered a compelling assessment of the changing character of warfare and the accelerating influence of technological innovation, drawing particularly upon lessons from the war in Ukraine. The event concluded with reflections from DIRDI Director General, Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE, on the scale of the scientific, technological, and strategic endeavour required in the decades ahead.
We are grateful to everyone who attended and are sure we all came away with a significant list of recommended reads. If any of the discussions sparked your interest, we would love to continue the discussion, email us at luciana.garstang@dirdi.org.
What is the National Strategic Research Group?
The NSRG convenes the UK’s finest minds to deliver fast, synthesised, and practical answers to complex questions for national strategy. The purpose is to give policymakers time effective access to the leading edge of research.
It is noticeable in Whitehall that the very best are often “double or triple-hatted”. The NSRG provides a public service-led means to address the questions being considered by senior policy makers in Whitehall, enabling the development of a Government- Industry- Academia relationship that is mutually supporting.
Through the NSRG, policymakers will be able to draw on world-class expertise to shape solutions to issues spanning foreign, defence, security, and resilience policy, as well as fiscal, economic, and social considerations. In so doing, it will also allow expert voices to be heard at the top table of policy making and help shape the strategic direction of the UK.
NSRG has a particular focus on questions that impact UK domestic stability, security, and prosperity in long term national strategy. It brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, defence, and security communities to mobilise the UK’s hard and soft-power resources in a coordinated national effort.