Initially its research centred round submarine detection methods.

In 1921 its remit was expanded and it was renamed the Admiralty Research Laboratory.

[1] During the First World War, the Anti-Submarine Division of the Admiralty Naval Staff had established experimental stations.

In 1919 it moved its headquarters back to Scotland at Shandon, Argyll.

In 1921 its remit was expanded and it was renamed the Admiralty Research Laboratory when it moved to Teddington, England.