Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Dstl’s Dr Norman Govan receives OBE

Defence

Dstl’s Dr Norman Govan receives OBE

Dr Norman Govan, of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), has been recognised in Her Majesty The Queen’s New Year Honours 2020.

Above: Dstl’s Dr Norman Govan.
Courtesy Dstl

Dr Govan, who has worked at Dstl and its predecessors for more than 20 years, has been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). He receives his OBE for his many years of expertise in the decontamination of chemical weapons, including the development of methodologies and specialist skills to safely and effectively manage the hazards arising from these agents. His contribution was vital in the recovery process following the Salisbury and Amesbury incidents in 2018.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Dr Govan, who is a fellow – a technical expert – within the Chemical Biological and Radiological Division at Dstl said: “I am truly humbled by this award. I was immensely proud of what the recovery team achieved getting Salisbury and Amesbury back to normal. I had the privilege to work alongside some really incredible people during the operation and I am delighted to accept this on their behalf.”

Gary Aitkenhead, Chief Executive at Dstl added: “I offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Govan. It gives me great pride to see our people recognised in this prestigious way. The award is a deserved recognition of his dedication, professionalism and technical excellence.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB