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Talk: Science in Warfare—A Logistician’s Perspective

From the chariots of ancient battlefields to the quantum technologies shaping tomorrow’s conflicts, science and innovation have always been at the heart of military success. In this engaging talk, Professor Edward Rochead explores how military needs have driven technological breakthroughs—many of which have transformed not only the art of war but also the logistics that underpin it. Drawing on vivid historical examples, from the Royal Navy’s supply chains to the birth of operational research in WWII, Professor Rochead traces three key epochs: the pre-atomic era, where military demand spurred innovation; the post-war period, when civilian advances began to outpace military R&D; and the present, where maintaining an edge means harnessing the latest in science, technology, and data. With a special focus on logistics—the lifeblood of military operations—this talk will spark discussion on how lessons from the past can inform the future of defence support, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing world. Professor Edward Rochead Professor Edward Rochead is a leading authority on the intersection of science, technology, and defence. With a distinguished career spanning almost three decades at the Ministry of Defence, Edward has held a range of senior roles.